Catholic Women’s League: New leadership, New Theme

by Admin · September 27, 2021

(Left) The new theme for the next 3 years is “Unity in the Spirit – Through the bonds of Peace” (Right)The Catholic Women’s League National Council of the Archdiocese of Cape Town: Front row from left: Anna-Marie Landsberg – 1st Vice President; Anne Deary – President; Pat McEwen – 2nd Vice President. Back row from left: Sue van Der Valk – Treasurer; Father Kevin Dadswell – Spiritual Director; Karena Colley – Secretary & Michaela Peart – News Correspondent

A word from outgoing President Bernice Cocci –

Back in 2017 the CWL of the Diocese of Johannesburg became the National Chair of the League. The National Council team consisted of Bernice Cocci – President; Mavis Ngwenya – 1^st Vice President; Elaine Phillips – 2nd Vice President; Barbara Hayward– Secretary; Gaby Marsella – Treasurer; Bongi Mavuka – News Correspondent and Fr Anthony Spencer – Spiritual Director.

What a first-class team we were, finding our way as we settled into our monthly meetings, reading minutes, and completing the tasks set us. We spent time discussing ways to fulfil the mandate we had been given from the Pretoria Conference regarding the Resolutions and Recommendations. Monthly Circulars were sent to Diocesan Presidents in the different diocese to be circulated to all the members keeping them up to date on our progress and all matters pertaining to our organisation.

During our term, we visited various diocese around the country though not as many as we would have liked, this of course due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. What an amazing group of women we have around our country. Women who have answered “Whom shall I send? – Thuma Mina (send me)” Isaiah 6:8 with gusto, working tirelessly in their parishes and communities, cleaning, feeding, clothing, caring for, listening to, and praying with all those in need, those that are sick and those who had lost their loved ones. I salute each member of the CWL.

Our 29^th CWL National Conference should have taken place in August 2020 but due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, all our plans were postponed and had to eventually be cancelled. Our handover to the incoming council was a small ceremony at the Carmelite Father’s Retreat Centre, Benoni.

A live-streamed Holy Mass and handing over of the Johannesburg National Council to the new Cape Town National Council took place on Saturday 28^th August 2021 followed by a celebration dinner hosted by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Women’s League branch, Benoni.

Cape Town is now the National Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Southern Africa and will hold office for the following 3 years.

Anne Deary the National President, Anne-Marie Landsberg – 1^st Vice President; Pat McEwen – 2^nd Vice President; Sue van der Valk – Treasurer; Karena Colley – Secretary; Michaela Peart – News Correspondent and Fr Kevin Dadswell – Spiritual Director.

The new theme for the next 3 years is “Unity in the Spirit – Through the bonds of Peace”

What an appropriate theme Cape Town has chosen as each of us try to make our way through the choppy waters of these uncertain times. May every person living in South Africa live in the “Unity of the Spirit – Through the bonds of Peace”.

We pray that the National Council of Cape Town experience joy and peace on their journey and may the Holy Spirit be their guide. I know that our dear Lord will gently hold each of you in the palm of His Hand. God bless you all.

Bernice Cocci
Past National President
Johannesburg Diocese