National CCW Convention

by Lila Schmidt

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee the 50th NCCW Convention was the place to be. Forty members of the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women joined 1,500 members at the National Convention in Nashville.

The Honorable Corinne "Lindy" Boggs, former US Ambassador to the Holy See, received the NCCW 2001 Distinguished Service Award. She told us how, when asked to take this position, she went to Mass and in church she noted a statue of Joan of Arc and proceeded to a statue of Our Lady and said a rosary. This was her process in saying yes. Lindy commented on the efforts of the Holy See and many others to stop trafficking of human beings. She said; "I applaud you and know when I report the evidences of your help the Holy Father will applaud you as well." Lindy also spoke about being seated next to President Bush at a dinner the evening of Laura Bush’s Book Fair. President Bush told Lindy about his visit with the Holy Father. He told her how much the world depends on the Pope and how much he needed to be at that meeting.

Barbara Garavalia was installed as our next NCCW President and Elizabeth Mohr was installed as St. Paul/Minneapolis Province Director. By-law proposals were voted on. Regional Vice Presidents proposal passed. Regional Meetings and Individual Membership proposals were defeated. Internet Filtering, Safe and Moral Media Environments and To Honor Saints Katharine Drexel and Josephine Bakhita were some of the resolutions adopted.

Other highlights of the NCCW Convention were the liturgies celebrated by Bishops, commission workshops, fellowship and Nashville hospitality.

Lila Schmidt is a member of St. Eloi, Ghent, and is the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women President.