Catholic Women's Conference

This last weekend was an extraordinary one; 550 women gathered for the Catholic Women's Conference that offered nationally known speakers, a Eucharistic Healing service, Spiritual direction, Reconciliation, music, and resources! It is refreshing to gather with women who love God, love the Catholic Church and yearn for a deeper relationship with Christ.

Each year, the Conference offers a Eucharistic Healing Service led by Deacon Tom Fox. I really believe Tom has an incredible gift in leading this liturgical service with the Blessed Sacrament. One woman wrote informing us that the her knee was healed and healed of all pain. This is one story of many I am sure. Seeds of hope were planted in those present as Deacon Tom led a prayer in healing the memory of woundedness, of painful relationships, illnesses, doubt, discouragement and there was a time of silence before the Eucharistic Lord. The scripture he read that evening was from the book of Luke 8:40-48; the story of the woman with a hemorrhage. It was in her desire to be healed that she reached out to touch the cloak of Jesus and she was healed. As Deacon Lara carried the Monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament throughout the Church, women looked to the Eucharistic Lord. There was a lot of peace and I do believe many inner healings!

Archbishop Gomez spoke on the topic of "Strong Women and Holy Mothers: Lessons from Scripture and the Saints". He invited us to read about the women in the Scriptures; and how they were instrumental in the salvific plan of God. Lives of modern day Saints were used as testimonies to encourage us to grow in holiness.

The speakers spoke on living a life of virtues, on the vocation and dignity of woman, on conquering discouragement and attaining peace.

The women attending the Conference commented on how much they enjoyed the Catholic Women's Conference. Go to www.facebook.com/pilgrimcenter for photos and videos from the event.

Soon, on www.cwc2009.org; the Conference's website; will also list photos, videos and CD order form for the Speakers' talks.

Now...getting ready for our presentation at the Catechetical Conference in the Diocese of Victoria on the Holy Land. The following is a short introduction on our presentation.
The Holy Land is the land sanctified by the Lord. For Christians, it is a place of pilgrimage, of experiencing the land of the Bible. Our concern even though millions of pilgrims and tourists travel to the Holy Land each year; few have an experience that puts them in touch with the local people to discover their story. In 1948; Christians made up approximately 20% of the population, today only 1.5% of Christians live in the Holy Land. Why is this an issue of peace and justice?

Mary Jane Fox