Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Carol Penno

It was an honour and privilege to attend the National CWL Convention and WUCWO Regional North American Conference August 8-13, 2008 in Winnipeg, MB and represent The BC & Yukon Council as an accredited delegate. President Marianna Caldwell asked me to write the spiritual report and I pray this report will convey the spiritual messages we heard.

In the presence of 331 WUCWO Conference registrants, the opening liturgy of the Conference was celebrated at Blessed Virgin Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church. Upon entering this beautiful church you were enveloped with a sense of awe, majesty and wonder. There were many beautiful icons to the sides of the gated sanctuary. (See pictures I sent you) The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom was used for worship. This Divine Liturgy is used throughout the ecclesiastical year with other Liturgies being used for special feast days, Lent, Christmas, etc. The beautifully voiced choir was called upon to lead us in the hymns. They also sang innumerable times for the responses many in Ukrainian and sung in various tones which added to the worship. We were provided with a booklet to help us follow along.

The Offertory procession included a Presentation Kolach (a round loaf of bread which was decorated with pieces of dough in a special pattern before baking), and a framed reproduction of the icon, The Holy Mother of God who is Patroness of the Ukrainian CWL of Canada. The National Executive President of the Ukrainian CWL Luba Kowalchyk presented WUCWO President General Karen Hurley with the framed Icon of Mary, The Holy Mother of God.

Following the Eucharistic Celebration we gathered in the hall for the reception. The ladies put on a marvelous smorgasbord of tasty wraps, tidbits, baking and the most impressive fresh fruit tower. There was a beautiful display of decorated breads for different occasions including a wedding Kolach, the Presentation Kolach, another for Easter, a sheaf of wheat, doves, and a beehive, many hours of work went into these creations especially the one decorated with many doves.

Our registration packet contained a folder from the Ukrainian CWL with interesting literature, a booklet on their customs and worship style and a leaflet on how to pray with icons. I read the Icon Corners with great interest and to quote “The altar is to a church what an Icon Corner is to a home. The home is our domestic Church. The mother and father are the head of the church, with the children as their congregation. The mystery of marriage consecrates the domestic church. (It is interesting to note that the same hymns are sung at a wedding as the bride and groom circle the sacramental table, as at an ordination when the priest-to-be is led around the holy table). A wedding is an ordination for service in the domestic Church. Husband and wife are called to a unique sharing in Christ’s priesthood by their holy crowning. Their home is their Church.” The parents have an important role to play in leading their church. They are responsible to bring themselves and their children closer to God.

August 9th, 2008: The WUCWO North American Regional Conference opening session began with prayer followed by the keynote speaker, Archbishop Richard Smith on the topic of “Peace and love, gifts to be shared”. Archbishop Smith was more than surprised to have his mother Anne Marie Smith of Halifax introduce him. She said he did the usual childhood things; he belonged to scouts, played sports etc. He went to University and has his Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was ordained in May 1987. He plays the guitar and loves languages being fluent in French, Italian and German, (as well as English) He is a chaplain to the deaf. His Grace presented a superb talk. Everything he said was worthy of repeating but I have to condense it. I have copious notes. And now to begin—

Peace and Love are gifts to be shared and they bring to light sacred traditions and principles. Peace and love go hand in hand. Peace is the absence of war, dissent or argumentation. During Evangelization it was proclaimed to the world that Jesus is Lord. Now is the new Evangelization, it’s a time for renewal of faith among our own people. Discover the joy, beauty and wonder of being in a relationship. Look for new ways to love, seek a new ardour.

Pope Benedict XVI first homily stated that only where God is seen does life begin. How beautiful to be a Christian. There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the gospel, by the encounter with Christ. In the language of faith, words are not always understood so we need to be clear in the words we use. Peace is given in communion with God which gives birth to communion with other and nature Peace is fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Ephesians 2, 13-22. Jesus is our peace with our fellow citizen—the household of God is our dwelling place. Jesus is our access to the Father. We were created for Communion with a capacity for love. The fresco in the Sistine chapel has the finger of God reaching for the finger of Adam. When in Communion with God, there is harmony with men and women, harmony with nature. It is who we are as a people. Recall the story of Adam and Eve in the garden Genesis Chapter 3, 15. The tree was a symbol to trust in god. Adam and Eve allowed trust in God to die by succumbing to seduction. By their disobedience trust was broken and they hid from God. God re-established original communion with his promise of mercy, He brought about reconciliation between the human race and himself.

What do you get when you have people drawn in union? You have the church.
Pope Paul VI said the plan of God the Father for the world is the church. The church is the sign of the reconciliation that God wills for all people. Jesus is our peace, and the fruit of peace is the fruit of justice. There can be no peace if there is no justice. Reconciliation is a pillar for peace. Peace is the fruit of reconciliation. God has created us for covenant. There is the mutual self commitment, self gift. God pledged himself to his people, I will be your God—you will be my people. He gave them the Ten Commandments. God was faithful to his covenant but the people proved unfaithful. Laying the Foundation: read Luke 4 John 13-17 Jesus loved. Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another.

June 29, 2008-June 29, 2009 : Year of St Paul the apostle bringing justice and reconciliation. Love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no wrong. RECONCILIATION is the first pillar of justice. To be agents of reconciliation we have to be reconciled ourselves. The Church is a communion of reconciled sinners. Paul was ready to die for the gospel—for his Lord. Like Paul, God calls us to conversion – we need a sincere repentance.

Pope JP ll Message for World Day of Peace 2002 There can be no justice without peace, no justice without forgiveness. True peace is the fruit of justice. The call of reconciliation to the church, do I live from that truth? How do I react to the Pastor, Bishop, fellow parishioners, CWL sisters, WUCWO—–do I need to be reconciled? What is my relationship to the teaching of the church? The church is mission. Am I aware of the mission needs in the world? What is my response? What is my relationship to the truth that I am called to be a disciple—called to follow Jesus? Story of the young rich man who had much treasure—what is my resistance. The call to repentance: What guilt am I carrying—Reconciliation with God, confess any un- repented sin. Where is the Lord calling me? To be reconciled with others—family, church individuals, groups, work, among friends, community. And to sum up we go from enlightenment to reconciliation to HOPE.

NATIONAL CWL CONVENTION, Sunday August 10

The National Convention was spirit filled and the planning committee did a wonderful job. The beautiful liturgies, morning prayers, and afternoon prayers kept us focused. There were so many joyous greetings and hugs as old friends re-united along with the pleasure of meeting “new” friends. Seven hundred + CWL members, friends and guests filled St. Mary’s Cathedral to overflowing for the opening Eucharistic Liturgy. A wonderful instrumental ensemble and choir led the joyous singing of four gathering hymns before the procession which included a liturgical dancer, five Archbishops and many priests. Most Reverend V. James Weisgerber presided. The Gospel Proclamation from Matthew 14: 22-23 follows the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus dismissed the disciples and sent them out in a boat. His Grace mentioned that when in the boat it is like the church tossed about on the heavy sea. Jesus went out to meet them walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost but he said “Be not afraid–it is I, I AM. Jesus calls to Peter to come–Peter begins to walk but fear overcomes him and he starts to sink He calls out to Jesus to save him. The wind stills.
Jesus reveals that he is the incarnate son of God. His mission is to renew- to do the Fathers will

The CWL can be co-operators in the salvation of the world by our work for peace, justice, concern for creation, the environment, the poor and needy. Come to meet the risen Lord–renew the whole world. Give us courage so as not to be afraid. Proclaim that Christ will come again complete his victory. Love God has for us–he makes us partner in the recreation of the world. Three Communion hymns and the Recessional” Bring Forth the Kingdom” brought the liturgy to a close. The hymns were from Gather Comprehensive.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy the opening ceremonies began. The organ and trumpet notes swelled, heralding the procession of Provincial flags which were carried proudly by the Military Ordinariate and Provincial Presidents. President-elect Nancy Simms carried the Yukon flag. The Knights of Columbus formed an impressive honour guard. Greetings were brought by many dignitaries, government, clergy, CCCB, WUCWO Pres General Karen Hurley. One MP was very supportive of the work of the CWL. I believe his Mom is a member. The ceremony closed with the hymn to Our Lady of Good Counsel and then across the street to our hotel and bed.

Monday August 11th. We began with Morning Prayers which were spirit filled, especially with a choir for the responses and hymns. Our Eucharistic Celebration was held in St. Mary’s Cathedral Monday at 5:15 PM with Most Reverend Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton and the National CWL Spiritual Advisor presiding. The gospel Proclamation was from Matthew 17: 22-27 His homily was timely. “Attention is on the athletes at the Olympics in China. As athletes only a few are chosen– there are records to be broken so they only choose the very, very best. Our call is from God and is far more important and exciting than the Olympics. God is choosing us and calling us as witnesses of Peace and Life. The Olympics choose the most qualified, while God chooses the unqualified.

All that we have and all that we are, are gifts from God. Our response is the acknowledgment of our dependence and trust. He is very near to us–paying the temple tax. Jesus as God is the temple–the true worship of God is given–exempt from the temple tax. Full revelation has not yet been established so as not to give offense by being a stumbling block to others. The coin will be provided.
If we fail we aren’t kicked off the team–we are forgiven.

Tuesday August 12th at 8::30 AM we gathered in St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Eucharistic celebration. This day our celebrant was Most Reverend Martin Currie, Archbishop of St. John’s who will be the next National Spiritual Advisor. The Gospel Proclamation was from Matthew 18: 1-5 10, 12-14. Archbishop Currie began his homily —-Our parents gave us cod liver oil saying “its good for you.” God Said to Ezekiel–Go and proclaim the message–eat the scroll, on it was written mournings and woe and lamentations–After I ate, it was as sweet as honey.

Proclaiming can be difficult–like a double edged sword. It is essential to proclaim the word, its good medicine. It is the Year of St. Paul. As we know from the bible, Paul persecuted the Church and yet became one of its greatest missionaries proclaiming the word. We are asked to eat the word of God. We become disciples/missionaries. Need to trust God. When we jump we trust God to catch us. We need the curiosity of children. A child’s response to our love should be our response to God’s love. Love one another–love is never easy love can be difficult. Love in the concrete (cement). I have no hands, arms, eyes but yours. Fill ourselves with God’s word and the bread he has promised for the journey.

August 13th, Closing Eucharistic Celebration at Basilique Cathedrale de Saint-Boniface
Presiding was Most Reverend Emilius Goulet p.s.s. Archbishop of Saint Boniface. The gospel Proclamation was John 15: 9-12. Archbishop Goulet began his homily with humour. He was reflecting on the readings and a song came to his mind. “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It is the only things that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no, not just for some, but for everyone. (Words by Hal David, 1965) He said he was preparing his sermon walking around his office saying “Love, Love Love” and his secretary told him it was the song by Jackie de Shannon. (laughter) Is love really what the world needs today. Do we not need cures for cancer and heart disease and other afflictions? What is needed to fight evil? Love may be the answer of the world’s problems. Love is the mission of Jesus. New commandment that you love one another by this love everyone will know that you are my disciples. The early church communities practiced the new commandment of love, sharing all resources in common. See how they love one another. Love is the greatest power in the world. It is amazing what people can do when motivated by love. We are the experience of love for our children and grandchildren.

His Grace addressed our theme “Love One Another”, Surely, you are aware that “love is always patient and kind: it is never jealous: love is never boastful and conceited: it is never rude or selfish: Love does not come to an end.” “Love One Another” One factor that makes this a challenge is its familiarity. Be on guard against complacency and reach out with compassion and love to help others. Show we are Christians by our love. This is our identification badge. Amen!