On 10 August 2025, the North America Regional Conference of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) was held in Toronto, Canada, hosted by the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Delegates from across the region gathered for a day of prayer, reflection, and action under the theme “Building a Future of Hope for Migrants and Refugees” and the Sub-theme of “Mary, Model of the Synod”.

WUCWO’s Mission and Global Network

In her keynote address, Mónica Santamarina presented WUCWO’s mission as a Public International Association of the Faithful, recognised by the Holy See in 2006. She highlighted the organisation’s work to:

• Promote the Christian vocation of women in ecclesial and social life
• Advocate for vulnerable women in different contexts
• Collaborate with Church and civil institutions for integral human development
• Conduct research to understand and respond to the challenges faced by disadvantaged women

Barbara Dowding, WUCWO Regional Vice President for North America, then introduced the four member organisations in the region: the Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL), the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, the National Council of Catholic Women (USA), and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary (KPCLA). Their diversity and leadership showed the richness of Catholic women’s contribution in North America.

Afternoon Reflections

The conference offered participants rich spiritual and social reflections:

• Mary the Model of Synod – Dr. Josephine Lombardi invited participants to see Mary as the “Lady of the Way,” a guide for synodality who teaches us to listen deeply and respond with compassion. She reminded us that Mary is known as the Lady of the Way and that from Mary we can learn to listen to each other and to the Spirit. In our organisations, we listen to those who need assistance and we answer their needs by our prayer, action, and advocacy. In doing so, we provide light in the darkness.
• Jubilee of Hope – Bishop Lobsinger reflected on synodality as the Church’s new path and described hope as the courage to believe in God’s promises even when giving up would seem easier. closed the afternoon with thoughts on the Jubilee of Hope asking us what hope really means. He spoke of the importance of walking together and listening to hear the Holy Spirit through “the One, the Son, and the many.” He then closed with his clear and concise definition of hope: Hope allows us to believe in God and all His promises when it would be easier for us to just give up.

• Justice for Migrant Workers – Leah Watkiss shed light on the challenges faced by migrant workers in Canada, especially those in low-wage jobs with closed permits, calling for stronger community and parish support. She detailed how they were lured with the incentive of financial security and decent housing only to find when they arrive that not only is the housing very substandard but the pay they were promised is much less and they are bound by a closed contract meaning they cannot work for anyone else or they would be in an illegal status. They are then faced with a dilemma: Most borrowed money to make the trip and have no means to repay that debt other than by staying and working. They have little recourse against this exploitation. Leah asked attendees to help migrants in their churches and communities to obtain the legal resources needed to ensure their just rights.
• Synodal Listening Session – Led by Barbara Dowding, this session invited participants to practice Conversations in the Spirit, fostering attentive listening and openness to the Holy Spirit. Attendees then utilized an abbreviated synodal Conversations in the Spirit method to ponder two questions: What can WUCWO do for you to help you in your mission? and What can you do for WUCWO to ensure the great work and outreach continues?

A Step Forward in Mission

The North America Regional Conference was a celebration of faith, leadership, and solidarity. It nourished participants spiritually, provided practical insights into urgent social issues, and renewed their commitment to WUCWO’s mission.

As women of WUCWO in North America continue their journey, they do so inspired by Mary—walking together in communion, participation, and mission, and building a future of hope for all.