President’s Outings – February 2023
You may have already heard or read on social media about Shari, Rolande, and my long overdue trip to Ottawa to meet with many Federal ministerial departments. It was so appreciated that Glenda could join these meetings virtually. Technology really is a blessing in these situations! Invited by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Ivan Jurkovic Apostolic Nuncio, for lunch at his residence was very special, as was the time spent at the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops office and our meeting with Dr. Robert Di Pede and Margaret Shea-Lawrence.
From Ottawa, it was on to St. John’s Newfoundland via Toronto (LOL) to deliver the National Unity Outreach Initiative to the Provincial Executive. It was so good to see CWL sisters that I had not met before and those I haven’t seen for some time. I had the pleasure of experiencing Newfoundland snow to compare to Alberta snow. They are the same! Mass at Saint Patrick Basilica Parish with Most Reverend Peter Hundt Archbishop of Newfoundland and Labrador was a wonderful way to end my visit and it included being able to speak about the CWL and inviting women to join our League. A tad chilly in the Basilica, as the heating system was working hard in the cold, was barely noticed because of the grand surroundings of this beautiful church. I hope the young gal I spoke with after mass does become a CWL member.
An outing to visit Margaret Michaud, a member from my Council, was heart-warming and came with a surprise. In our conversation, Margaret mentioned a book she had recently published called “Our Immigrant Mother” the collection and reflection of life in the homeland and on the prairies. Margaret’s kind gift of a copy of the book had me reading and thoroughly enjoying it shortly thereafter. CWL members throughout Canada have talents we know little about. I encourage you to find and celebrate those talents in your Council.
Virtual outings for various meetings from Implementation Committee to working groups, to admin, Provincial President and Officer meetings and ad several hoc committees rounded out the month.
Days into the season of Lent any spare time is spent being silent, reflecting, and having “outings” via daily walks enjoying the sun, snow, and ever changing landscape that comes with winter. God is good!
