SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Catholic women from across P.E.I. attended the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) 97th annual provincial convention recently in Summerside.
Following a welcome and introductory comments by Shirley Pierce, president, a special ceremony called the “Crowning of Mary” took place on Friday evening. Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry brought greetings to all those attending.
Father Brian MacDougall, spiritual advisor, offered a reflection on several passages from Scripture that referred to the theme, “Care for our Common Home”.
The first speaker, Sister Gemma Dunn, gave a presentation on the theme, with a focus on water. She reminded everyone that Pope Francis has said, “Access to safe water is a basic and essential right”. She encouraged all to “develop a spirituality of water” by appreciating it as “a gift from Mother Earth” and to be mindful of everything that water does and where it comes from.
Marion Murphy, spiritual development chairwoman, also did a brief presentation on the theme. Referring to the creation story from the Bible, she read several reflections from her upcoming book, “Life is Gift; Go Make a Difference”.
Life member Marg Fitzpatrick entertained with some of her stories. After a spiritual closing, led by Murphy, members enjoyed a social evening.
Saturday morning began with mass, celebrated by MacDougall. Throughout the two days, 22 members attending the provincial convention for the first time were presented with a lapel rose by president elect Gay Garvey.
Members of the executive gave highlights from their annual reports during the business session.
Peter Mutch, executive director with the Catholic Family Services Bureau, brought members up-to-date on the programs they offer.
CWL national president Anne-Marie Gorman gave a presentation on the new National Strategic Plan with an update on what’s happening at the national level. She encouraged members to check out the Canada Plans Strategically book available on the website.
A banquet at noon, prepared and served by the staff of the Credit Union Place, featured head table guests Bishop Richard Greco, Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart, Gail Stewart, Knights of Columbus state deputy Richard Allen, Gorman and women representatives from the Anglican, Presbyterian and United churches.
The afternoon session opened with a spiritual program, the Celebration of 2018 deceased CWL members. A donation will be given to Catholic Family Services as a living memorial for all the deceased CWL members.
Guest speakers Heather Harris and Johana Kelly, who work with Watershed Associations in P.E.I., spoke about watershed planning and management, as well as water conservation.
The business portion resumed with final reports given by the remaining executive members. Pierce presented a gift to Marion Murphy, who has served as spiritual development chairwoman for several years. Elaine Black has been welcomed into that position.
Proceeds from the bass collection were given to Canadian Missions, and money collected from the sale of tickets on the gift bag was donated to the Charlottetown Food Bank.