Elected delegates Jacqueline Hipwell and Nola Drum and alternative delegates Angela Devlin and Anne O’Neill took great pleasure in representing the Archdiocese at the National CWLA Conference held in Perth from 31 August to 2 September 2009.

The theme “Walking with God – We walk by faith and not by sight – Cor 2 5:7” was reflected in the opening and closing Masses and in the liturgies each day.  The reviewed Constitution was accepted and motions and recommendations were discussed, presented and received, in most cases, with unanimous approval.

Our motion supporting the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women was passed and CWLA Inc will now make this support known to the Federal Government to ensure that this plan, when it is released next year, will be firmly on the National agenda and we will work to ensure that it will stay on the National agenda. 

The National Executive did, and has done, a truly outstanding job over the past two years and the “warmth and serenity” with which they organised and conducted the Conference was unsurpassable.

The management and staff of the Novotel Langley Hotel staff were also to be congratulated on their service and dedication to ensure that each and everyone in attendance was made as comfortable as possible and nothing was too much trouble.

The incoming Executive from Victoria/Wagga Wagga were introduced before proceedings ended and we will now look forward to the handover Mass to be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, at a date to be confirmed at the end of January 2010.

As we enjoy some very welcome spring rain, we think of the devastating rains and earthquakes and those who have lost their lives in recent days, as a result, in the Philippines, Samoa and Tonga.  We ask God to bless and have mercy on those living and dead and to bless and take care of those sent to help them rebuild their lives.  

It is almost time to start thinking about the lead up to Christmas and the birth of Our Lord and Savior.  Meantime we will remember the souls of the faithful departed during November and celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December.

A Papal Honour for CWL Member

On Wednesday 28 October 2009 at the Parish of St Joseph in O’Connor, ACT,  Anne Rosewarne received a very prestigious award from Archbishop Mark Coleridge.  Anne is now a ‘Dame of the Order of St Sylvester’ bestowed on her by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of her work, not only in the Parish of St Joseph, but also her roles, over many, many years in Catholic Women’s League in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.  Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Coleridge and Parish Priest Father William Kennedy and was followed by a special morning tea in the adjoining Parish Centre.  Flowers were presented by members and the Executive of Central Region and members of St Joseph’s branch of CWL. Anne was helped by Archbishop Mark in the cutting of the celebratory cake.

Our sincere congratulations to Anne and her family for this truly well deserved award.

Angela M Devlin
Archdiocesan Newsletter Editor
31 October 2009

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