TORONTO (CCN) — Some 450 Catholic women from across Canada gathered in Toronto this week for the 105th CWL national convention, which wrapped up Aug. 13.
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL) united attendees in both faith and country-wide fellowship, joined by various clergy and guests, to celebrate a shared mission of social justice-driven service in the spirit of the ongoing 2025 Jubilee Year.
The national convention opened with a session hosted by the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) — to which Catholic Women’s League members in Canada belong — with Dr. Josephine Lombardi as the premier keynote speaker. WUCWO president general Monica Santamarina also delivered a report.
Dr. Gerry Turcotte, CCN columnist and St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi College president and vice-chancellor, spoke during the CWL convention Aug. 11, addressing mental health and social justice-related topics.
“That’s something we are looking forward to, as the league is focusing a lot on mental health awareness and acceptance. We have been working on not solely tolerance, but acceptance, on how we can best help people who have mental health issues as well,” said Glenda Klein, life member of the CWL and planning committee member in charge of media and publicity for the national convention.
Delegates have had faith opportunities, such as opening and closing Holy Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, as well as various breakout, business and discussion sessions over the three-day event, complete with resources they can bring back to their local councils.
One of the biggest features of each national convention is the resolutions that come in from across Canada. As standard, resolutions are debated among delegates and, if passed, presented to legislators. This year’s resolutions are expected to focus on issues including pro-life advocacy and overall social justice.
Even more anticipated is the fellowship and communion among those in attendance.
“This is a real occasion to make new friends and visit with seasoned friends, a chance to meet the national officers and the provincial presidents, which is important for when it comes time to vote and put forth a new executive,” Klein said.
“There is also the opportunity to attend Holy Mass where there is more than one bishop and many clergy, with many women not ever having that experience elsewhere, and that brings the majesty of hearing over 400 female voices joined together in song.”
In addition to the 450 registered attendees in person, more are attending virtually via Zoom, further demonstrating the event’s far-reaching appeal.
Klein says she hopes the shared purpose of a renewed and empowered league will continue to live out its mission of uniting Catholic women through service.
