Use ‘feminine genius,’ CWL convention told

By Laureen McMahon

The Catholic Women’s League has a great and noble calling, said B.C. and Yukon Provincial President Barbara Dowding.

Special to The BC Catholic New CWL provincial president Marianna Caldwell (l) and president-elect Nancy Simms.

In her remarks at the May 29 – June 1 61st annual CWL B.C. and Yukon provincial convention in Williams Lake, Dowding, who attended a conference in Rome earlier this year on the role of women in the Church, said that both the late Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI asked Catholic women to use their “feminine genius” to make a difference in our world.

“Both expressed the opinion that women have the necessary gifts and talents to improve our society. How can we not respond to their request?” Dowding asked.

League conventions at the diocesan, provincial, and national levels, she suggested, provide a tremendous opportunity for Catholic women to explore the many ways they can live out their Christian commitment to society.

“I am filled with the desire to support, affirm, and share with each and every one of my League sisters the importance and necessity of believing that we women hold the key to hope, and have the necessary gifts to build peace in our world.”

Bishop Gerald Wiesner, OMI, of Prince George offered the Mass at the beginning of the convention and was the homilist. It was hosted by the Kamloops Diocesan Council at Sacred Heart Parish in Williams Lake. Afterwards the Knights of Columbus invited the CWL members to a wine and cheese reception.

Lorette Noble, President of the National Catholic Women’s League, shared news about the League’s activities on the national scene, including the National Council’s dialogue with the federal government. She also gave an update on efforts to be in solidarity with the Argentinian Grandmothers who continue to search for family members three decades after a military dictatorship ushered in one of Latin America’s most repressive regimes in history. Noble also reported on her experiences at the Presbyterian Women’s Society AGM.

To promote spiritual and physical wellbeing, the League convention delegates were treated to a health and wellness session from a life coach who emphasized a holistic approach to health and spirituality. This was, said Communications Chairwoman Sandra Stajduhar, a good chance to reflect on how these two qualities go hand in hand in a healthy, faith-filled individual.

Additional convention presenters included lay missionary Barbara MacDougall and Kathleen Ancker, Director of National Development for Catholic Missions in Canada. CWL members took up a collection to help the CMIC celebrate their 100th anniversary.

B.C. and Yukon League spiritual director Father Terry Brock, retiring this year from his CWL duties, reflected on the spirituality of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and her act of faith to persevere in her calling even when she was assailed by periods of spiritual darkness.

“He reminded us that `Calcutta is everywhere,’ and that we, like Mother Teresa, are called to be a light to the world,” said Stajduhar.

Father Brock’s five years’ worth of stories shepherding the Provincial League which he shared in his talk, Stajduhar added, were both “humorous and poignant. We thanked him for his dedication, for his many presentations on interesting women, and for his spiritual guidance. He will be missed.”

Immediate Provincial Past President Pat Battensby said that the educational programs for the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) are continuing their focus on China. She encouraged everyone planning to attend the WUCWO national convention in Winnipeg from Aug. 9-11 to arrive early and attend the North American region annual meeting.

Provincial convention business sessions were conducted by president Barbara Dowding. There were provincial executive reports, and Life Member Thelma Varcoe spoke on the Life Members’ Book Project.

The Molly Boucher Bursary was awarded to Bianca Pecora from Golden. Life Member Carol Penno of Golden accepted the award on Pecora’s behalf from Education and Health Chairwoman Nancy Simms.

A motion to send a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations supporting a ban on cluster bombs received approval from the provincial delegates.

The six resolutions presented and passed included: banning the use of cell phones while driving (provincial government); making prostitution illegal; making the protection of victims of trafficking a priority; preventing human trafficking, particularly in reference to the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver-Whistler; keeping polygamy in the Criminal Code of Canada; and promoting the awareness of the widespread problem of depression and the need for effective treatments.

Bishop David Monroe of Kamloops offered the Mass at the close of the conference, when a new provincial executive was installed. Marianna Caldwell was elected the new provincial president.

Other new executive members are: Nancy Simms, president-elect and organization chairwoman; Carol Penno, first vice president and spiritual development chairwoman; Dodie Bond, second vice-president and Christian family life chairwoman; Pat Deppiesse, secretary; and Elaine Audet, treasurer.

Lois Charlebois is the community life chairwoman, Doreen Gowans is the communications chairwoman. Sheila Quinn will handle legislation, and Sandra Stajduhar will take on resolutions, while Jeanne Wilson has been appointed to education and health.

Barbara Dowding will retire as president, while retiring past president is Pat Battensby. Battensby was appointed life member liaison.

Father Tien Tran, pastor of All Saints Parish in Coquitlam, was installed as the new provincial spiritual director, succeeding Father Brock.