Sisterhood is alive and kicking in the Archdiocese as dozens of women met today (Sat) for the second dedicated Day of Recollection.

The Women of the Diocese group hosted the event in the Grimshaw Room of St Chad’s Cathedral, ending with Mass celebrated by Monsignor Tim Menezes in the Mother Church.

Today’s focus was ‘Beloved child of God – Discipleship’ and featured guest speakers Marie Fahy and Bridie Spicer.

The day was aimed at women of all ages to be inspired, reflect and pray.

And it was a great opportunity to experience prayer stations, take part in group discussions and network with like-minded individuals.

Around 50 women attended and following an introduction by core members of the Women of the Diocese group, Marie Fahy took to the floor.

Marie, a former RE teacher, is a speaker for Catholic Voices and works for Aid to the Church in Need.

She spoke passionately about today’s theme, Beloved child of God – Discipleship, with several statements standing out: God is Love; God loves us anyway; God’s love is personal, he transforms us; We are significant; Our identity is found in God; God has promised he will do good for us.

The second speaker, Bridie Spicer, is the mother of soldier Leon Spicer – killed in Iraq in 2005.

Bridie shared her experience, openly admitting Leon’s death ‘tested my faith beyond belief’ and ‘I didn’t pray for several days’.

“The pain of his loss consumed me totally,” she said. “Why did you (God) take him?”

Bridie has written a book about Leon, which was to be taken up to the altar during the offertory procession in Mass.

She told the audience “If you put your trust in the Lord, you will overcome everything.”

Women of the Diocese was established in August 2015 and is a resource available to all women across the Diocese.

Members of the core group are able to provide help and advice in parishes, and organise retreat days.

“We are Women of the Diocese, for Women of the Diocese, committed within the Church, to living out the Gospel in our homes, our parishes and our workplaces.”

If you would like to contact Women in the Diocese please email: [email protected]