Provincial Convention 2009: Spiritual Development Oral Report

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Madam President: One short year ago I was gifted with the standing committee of Spiritual Development. I believe I was blessed as what better way to spread the message and promote good works than through Spiritual development. Our handbook states: “Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence. The patroness of the League is the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel.” Our Blessed Lady guides us.

Our six Dioceses in their annual reports told me about wondrous works promoting spirituality and programs to enhance the spiritual growth of members. This is what sets us apart from other women’s organizations. Many items of interest were reported on.

However all was not bright and rosy as we encountered great difficulties getting the names of our deceased members. I hope and pray that there aren’t any errors. National office had many names that I did not have any information on and I had names that National didn’t receive. I must impress upon you to be very diligent in filling out this form accurately and clearly, it is a good idea to print the information, as handwriting can be indecipherable at times. And we want to be certain that the correct name and address is listed so please insert your council code. I can think of no greater horror than to read my name as deceased. There were 214 deceased in 2008 with an additional 27 from previous years. There are more deceased but they will be in the 2009 National Book of Life because the forms were submitted too late.

Additional information has just been received that each member will have an individual membership number issued to them—so this number will also be needed.

Now we are glowing and hopeful again, there are beautiful prayers services for your use. Our new theme “Women of Peace and Hope” is truly beautiful. Develop the theme by using it on all your agendas, minutes and communiqués as well as helping your community with palliative care and reaching out to women of other cultures and backgrounds. The Activities Kit that all councils received gives concrete methods of reaching out in these areas.

We are nearing the end of the Year of St. Paul, which focused on the writings of St. Paul. For this coming year, Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 19, 2009- June 19 2010 as “Year of the Priest” to encourage “spiritual perfection” in priests. We are asked to focus on the prayer for all vocations and pray it at our monthly meetings. Indulgences will be offered at certain times.

We are supportive of our Canadian Missions as it is our responsibility to look after our own missions first and foremost. Many are struggling in the cold, northern missions without enough heat and resources to help others in dire straits. They are praying to God for help and our hands are what God uses.

Numerous sympathy, get well and congratulatory cards have been sent out on our behalf from the Cenacle Sisters.

I look forward to the next term; my focus will be to promote the Role of Women in the Church as reports indicated weakness in that area. Many confused Lay ministries with this heading. All in all we are on the right track in British Columbia & Yukon. God bless your efforts. I welcome Julie Rose, Vancouver Arch Diocese, Laura Esposito, Prince George Diocese and Dianne Pecor, of Kamloops Diocese as the newly appointed Spiritual Development Chairpersons. They join Therese Janssen of Victoria Diocese and Betty Houle of Nelson Diocese who are in their second term. We pledge to work hard for you the members.