On May 4, 2026, the Ontario Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada united in a province‑wide day of prayer, reflection, and advocacy for compassionate, dignity‑affirming palliative care. Councils and members joined together in Adoration, the Rosary, and presentations from leaders in hospice, family ministry, and caregiver support.
Throughout the day, over 500 participants joined us from across Ontario. This remarkable response is a testament to the strength of our sisterhood and the power of united prayer. The impact of hundreds of women praying together — hour after hour — was deeply felt. It created a spiritual current of hope, compassion, and advocacy that reached far beyond our screens and into our communities.
We were blessed by insights from:
- Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, Diocese of Hamilton
- Lena Soje, Philip Aziz Centre / Emily’s House
- Julie Clark, Hospice Peterborough
- Julie has generously shared a resource for councils, available here: Resources to Learn About Children’s Grief
- Julie Aube, Maison McCulloch Hospice, Sudbury
Sarah Calvin from the Ontario Caregiver Organization was unable to join us however, she has a team of regional leads who are available to support councils with presentations and caregiver‑focused initiatives across the province. Email Sarah at: [email protected]
The day concluded with a beautiful live‑streamed Mass celebrated by Bishop Alan Campeau, Provincial Spiritual Advisor, grounding our mission in faith and hope.
With Grateful Hearts
The Ontario Provincial Council extends heartfelt thanks to Provincial Spiritual Advisor, Bishop Alan Campeau, Provincial President Colleen Martin, Past President Linda Squarzolo, OPC Faith Chair Claudette Langdon, and OPC Service Chair Sue Lubowitz and to each diocesan council for their leadership in coordinating this meaningful day. Finally, thank you to Maria Bertoldo, Thunder Bay Diocesan Spiritual Advisor who assisted with the Mass arrangements…. And Father Luigi for welcoming us to St. Anthony’s parish. Their dedication, collaboration, and deep love for the League helped create a prayerful, hope‑filled experience that united our province in faith and purpose.
Thank you to every council, speaker, and member who united in prayer.
Together, we continue to “Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission.”