Catholic Women's League of Saskatchewan

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National Convention Report - 2009


Tillie Aessie


I arrived in St. John’s on a very warm, but drizzly day. Checking in at the registration desk was a bit of a challenge because everything was in a state of chaos. You see the hotel Sheraton had been sold just 2 weeks prior to the convention; needless to say, there were a few inconveniences during the renovation process. However, the friendly staff and convention committee ensured that everyone was well looked after and didn’t get lost.


Saturday was my day to explore this fine city. Susan Melchiorre and I walked, taxied and visited the immediate downtown area looking for a suitable restaurant for the provincial dinner and also taking in an interesting farmers market. That evening we joined in The Taste of Newfoundland at the Remax Centre. We were treated to local hospitality and good old foot stomping music. One of the priests in the area also treated us to a one man skit and how to say a 10 second rosary.


A guided bus tour of St. John’s, Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, and Signal Hill began Sunday’s events. Along with all the history here, we even saw the whales jumping out of the water. For lunch we were treated by the K of C. to a full course turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This was the second time we were served mashed turnips, much to the annoyance of one of our members who dislikes them very much. The afternoon resolutions dialogue was attended by a great number of interested members.


The official opening and Eucharistic celebration was held at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Gerri did us proud as she carried our provincial flag in the opening procession. Our new Spiritual Advisor Most Rev. Martin Currie, Archbishop of St. John’s and Bishop of Grand Falls was the main celebrant. A post mass reception was hosted by the K of C. in their hall ending the warm summer evening.


Monday the Gathering day began with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Most Rev. Daniel J. Bohan, Archbishop of Regina. The mornings keynote speakers were Myrtle Power and Fr. Mark Miller. Power encouraged us to be “pillars of change” bringing hope to this world by witness and testament to the gospel. Fr. Miller spoke about end-of-life palliative care, shared his personal experiences in palliative care ministry and empowered members to be forerunners in caring and support for the dying, their caregivers, and their families. The afternoon session began with a spiritual reflection led by Betty Anne Brown and the honorary life members followed by provincial president’s reports on the work and successes of members at their parish, diocesan and provincial levels. Monday evening’s banquet was again a taste of Newfoundland cuisine, with very lively entertainment. All the Provincial Presidents were “screeched in” by kissing a real cod and having to drink a glass of “Newfoundland screech” (which are the dredges at the bottom of the old rum barrels). This was hilarious! Our own Bishop Daniel being a good sport also went on stage to entertain us. One member’s spouse undoubtedly will not ever forget this evening, for “Fr. Don” and lap singing just do not go together.


Tuesday morning’s Eucharistic celebration was presided by Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Spiritual Advisor Rev. Edward Terry. His homily reminded us that as men and women working together for the betterment of the Catholic Church we should present ourselves with the initiative to Love One Another as we journey together in peace and hope. A collection of $2200 was taken at this mass for Daffodil Place and later a check was presented to a representative of the organization. Six new members were called forward and commissioned as New Life Members by giving them a pin and a special blessing. For lunch that day, members were invited to join National chairpersons in separate lunch locations for a question and answer dialogue. A few more chairperson reports continued in the afternoon and resolution 2009.01 on Exit strategies for prostituted persons was adopted.


Tuesday evening was our Provincial dinner at the Hungry Fisherman. 24 persons attended this dinner in a typical seafood restaurant on the waterfront. Although we arrived by taxi in the pouring rain, a number of members decided to walk back to their hotels, even after consuming “screech pie” and the very relaxing evening ended with a “night cap” in one of the members room.


On Wednesday, the last day of the convention, members gathered for morning liturgy. In response to Bill C 384, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (the right to die with dignity) a letter stating the leagues strong opposition to the bill was sent from the floor of the convention to the prime minister of Canada and all the members of parliament. A short presentation by Dr. Wally on Matre Care and a serious discussion on our support of the Obstetric Fistula hospital in Ghana concluded the morning session. Just before our pizza lunch, the members from Saskatchewan had their group photo taken. After lunch a wonderful slide show presentation was accompanied by the tune (Go Light Your World) with a candle lighting ceremony. This tune was borrowed by National President Danielle McNeil-Hessian from Saskatoon’s 2003 convention committee to conclude the prayer service and to begin the afternoon business session. Two more resolutions were passed, another one on human trafficking and the other on “Hate” messages. The host planning committee for the 2010 convention extended an enthusiastic invitation to attend next year’s convention in Ottawa. The closing Eucharistic celebration was held at Mary Queen of Peace Church followed by the gala banquet at the hotel Sheraton. There were a couple of things that I noticed that were different in St. John’s. One being the fact that there were no buffet tables in the hotel, restaurants or other eating establishments downtown, only dining room service with all meals served with ease by waiters or waitresses. At all establishments the service was prompt and efficient with the food arriving “hot”. Something else that I thought was a nice added touch was that at each meal and every convention day, placed on the table and at each place setting was a little gift of salt water toffee, painted rocks, recipes, post cards, flower seeds, or crocheted dish cloths that were given as souvenirs to remember this great City and its friendly people. In conclusion, this was a very memorable convention.