The Preeceville branch of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of Canada planted a spruce tree sapling at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in the Preeceville Cemetery in recognition and celebration of the national Catholic Women’s League of Canada 100th anniversary which was celebrated on June 17 last year, but due to COVID-19 shutdowns the celebration has been extended into 2021.
Club members gathered along with Father Michal Pajak, minister for the Roman Catholic parish, at the cemetery to plant the tree and say a small prayer. Members in attendance were: Nellie Knihniski, Kathleen Pitt, Bea Sekel, Arlene Lingl, Lorraine Strijak, Donna Balawyder, Norma Appel and Zita Serhan.
When the CWL was organized nationally in 1920, it was the beginning of a lay association of Catholic women who would change the world as they advocate for social justice while working towards personal spiritual development. The CWL mission statement states the Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service from coast to coast through urban and rural communities. Women have met in homes, church halls and community rooms, in beautiful as well as humble surroundings.
What all members had and have in common is the goal of making Canada and the world a better place through personal and collective spiritual growth, promoting the teachings of the Catholic church, enhancing the role of women, recognizing the dignity of all people, and contributing to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace and harmony.
The first meeting of the St. Patrick Preeceville Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada was held September 18, 1964.
To commemorate the League’s 100 anniversary and in keeping with the national theme (Care for our Common Home) every diocesan council across Canada was asked to plant a tree in a place of honour to help the environment and be enjoyed by the community.
The national president planted a tree with a plaque in Montreal to commemorate where CWL first began.
Preeceville Council joined its sister council members across the country in celebrating their “roots” from the past century “while we look to the future as we “branch-out” into the next century.”
