League Given Mandate In Women’s Matters

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30110, 19 April 1963, Page 2

League Given Mandate In Women’s Matters

The Catholic Women’s League had a direct mandate from the hierachy to be its representative in all matters concerning women in general and Catholic women in particular, said the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. E. M. Joyce) when opening the league’s diocesan conference yesterday.

“You are our eyes, ears, voices, hands and feet in all things pertaining to women,” he said. “I trust that as a result of your twoday meeting much good will come out of it for Catholic and non-Catholic women.”

Reminding members of their position in the church and their part in the pattern of church Life, Bishop Joyce said: “It is amazing how we are looked to by so many to give a lead in defining the rights of women, placing their vocation in its right perspective. and in using special gifts that God gave to you as women for the good of the church.” Could Be Link The main purpose of the league was the extension of the hieradty’s work, said the national president (Mirs C Kerr) when thanking the Bishop tor- opening the conference League members could be the link with ncn-Catholics. “By our efforts we can

bring them to some understanding of what the Catholic church stands for,” she said. The hierachy’s continued interest in the league’s work meant a great deal to the organisation, its expansion, and activities. The Bishop and delegates to the conference were welcomed by the diocesan president (Mrs J. P. Donnelly). Before the conference opened. league members attended mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament when the Bishop was the celebrant. Deltgates from North and Scuth Canterbury and the West Coast are attending the conference, which will continue today.