The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) chapter at St. John the Baptist Church celebrated a milestone over the weekend.
The local CWL marked its 100th anniversary with a banquet at the Cameos Portuguese Club in Harrow Sunday night. A large crowd of CWL members past and present and their spouses, along with CWL members from other councils, gathered for the dinner and presentations.
“We are honouring our first council, present members and sisters who have been laid to rest,” explained Anne Roy, the current president of the St. John the Baptist CWL chapter.
Roy thanked members of the other councils for attending, as well as the large crowd of local members.
“We thank you for coming to celebrate our milestone,” Roy told the crowd.
The local chapter would not be as active or as strong without all of the people who have served it, she said. She added they appreciate all of the hard work from current and past members.
Father Matt Kucharski said the women of the CWL have made personal sacrifices for the betterment of the community. He noted they have gotten involved in numerous social justice issues over the years and have grown in their faith at the same time.
Sharon Barron, past president of the St. John the Baptist CWL council, went over the 100-year history of the organizations. She pointed out the first president was Helen Jones and, at one point, the local chapter had over 500 members.
“The organization was a strong and active one,” she said.
As part of the local CWL’s past, they purchased a cross in St. John the Baptist cemetery in 1948 to remember those who died in times of war. The cost of that at the time was $3,000.
Barron noted members have advanced within the London Diocesan council over the years. She said they have done a lot in the community and have also aided schools over their first 100 years.
After the local CWL celebrated its 67th anniversary, it went dormant for about 20 years. In 2013, led by Nancy Joncas, Barron said the Amherstburg chapter was re-activated.
“Our membership base has been growing steadily since,” said Barron.
Current initiatives include their Old Fashioned tea and the donation of a quilt to Hospice. They are also politically active, Barron added, including political “hot potato” issues.
“Membership in the CWL promotes spiritual growth in each and every member,” said Barron. “Spirituality is the lifeblood of the CWL. We pray for each other, our priest and our diocese members.”
Barron’s mother Edna Bingham was a CWL member for over 60 years. Women and girls ages 16 and up can join.
Theresa Ryan, past president of the London Diocese CWL, paid tribute to the local organization and also went over the history of the organization in Canada. She pointed out the first Catholic Women’s League was founded in England in 1906 and came to Canada in 1912 when a chapter was established in Edmonton. The national chapter was formed in 1920, with the first convention in Toronto in 1921.
Ryan outlined some of the work that CWLs have performed during the year, including school programs, supporting medical clinics, advocating for nurses in schools, first aid kits, a milk program and clothing drives for children, homes for unwed mothers, assisting with child welfare, supporting the development of juvenile courts, book clubs, spelling clubs, oratory clubs and public health awareness.
The national CWL also founded a “Lady of the Year” award, which was presented to Mrs. A. Pattenden of Amherstburg in 1952.
Those who attended Sunday night’s banquet also could look at memorabilia from days gone by and were encouraged to boost their membership further.
Local Catholic Women’s League celebrates 100 years
By Ron Giofu
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