Photos: CWL 70th Anniversary Celebrations
- Posted On 25th Nov 2023
Dear Fr. Francis and Sisters in the League,
Congratulations to all of us! We celebrated our 70th Anniversary on the weekend of November 4-5, 2023.
Praise God for the amazing celebration on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
It started at 11 am with the Eucharistic Celebration with Bishop Vincent Nguyen of the Archdiocese of Toronto, along with our Spiritual advisor, Fr Francis Folleh, 2 past Spiritual Advisors: Fr Oliver Iwuchukwu and Fr David Okenyi: and Fr Arinze Onwuzulike, associate pastor of our parish.
Bishop Nguyen spoke powerfully to us about quietly serving without expecting any accolades and praises. He encourages us to continue the good work we do for CWL (Pls check out my Facebook live video of his complete homily – Facebook Profile: Francis Therese Baduria)).
Thank you to the Sunday 11 am choir for celebrating with us with their beautiful singing, led by Jason Gotera, organist, Gerard Johnston and soloist, Peggy Shehan. (Pls check out my Facebook live video of “Ave Maria”, sang by Peggy)
After mass, we gathered at the church hall, beautifully adorned for our tea luncheon and program.
During the program, we recognized our members with milestone membership: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 50 and 55 years.
It was also time to announce the 7th recipient of the Betty Anne Brown Davidson Award of Honour. Thank you, Marguerite Civello, a well-deserved recognition of your long-term service and commitment to CWL.
Sue Lubowitz, President of the CWL Toronto Diocesan Council, presented the Certificate of Recognition from TDC and the Ontario Council.
We were so blessed that 15 of the Past Presidents attended the celebration, including Betty Anne Brown Davidson, who also became CWL Canada National President in 2012.
A big big thank you to the 70th anniversary committee for organizing this celebration: co-chaired by Lucia Vacca and Grace Beardsworth, assisted by Joanne Spencer, Tina Zappulla, Tania Mascarenhas and Neela Saldanha; with the support of Carlo Vacca, Lucia’s ever supportive hubby. The Committee worked many long hours and the outcome was exceptional!!!
And to our Mistress of Ceremony: Ingrid Hart who ensured the program went smoothly.
And to our official photographer, Lovina D’Souza who captured lots of memorable photos.
And a special thank you to all of our CWL members who continue to serve God and Canada through faith, service and social justice and to those members who had gone before us, we remembered them today.
On Sunday, November 5, 2023, after the 11 am mass, the parishioners were served with cake and refreshments. Thank you once again to the CWL members who set-up, served and cleaned up.
My sincerest sincerest gratitude to the current 2022-2023 Executive: Maria Sol Tellis,Connie DeLuca, Lucia Vacca, Melrose McGill, Tina Zappulla, Paola Gennaro , Cheryl Mascarenhas, Kim Deans and Marla Tanuan and Fr Francis whom I had the privilege to have served for this 2-year term.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.
To God be the glory!
