Page 7 - LOTN Autumn Issue 48 2021

DIOCESE

The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO)

The CWO is a global organisation fostering unity, inclusion and common fellowship amongst Catholic women

Members of the CWO wearing their distinctive uniforms

BY ANTHONIA AMAYO one of our newly ordained priests, Fr. Malachy Eze in July.
This year on Sunday 25th July CWO Aberdeen joined the rest
he Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the world to mark the very first World Day of Grandparents
Aberdeen was established in 2014 and has grown and the Elderly - a Pope Francis initiative. This initiative was
in number since then to about 46 registered received with much appreciation and support from St Mary's
Tmembers. Cathedral. All parishioners over 65 within the Aberdeen diocese
It is made up of Catholic women from different parishes were invited for a reception after Mass. It was a great pleasure to
within the Aberdeen diocese. Membership is open to practising see several generations together in one place, especially during
Catholic women regardless of race, marital or social status. such a challenging time for our community.
Members wear white tops and a blue, white star printed A cake to mark the occasion was cut, and souvenirs were given
"wrapper" or white tops on any navy-blue wrapper. to the elderly to mark the day. Children of CWO members
The CWO encourages its members to use their talents and painted colourful and heart-warming pictures and a poem titled
skills in the service of God, the community and society at large. "Grand love"’ was composed by some of our youth (The Ekekwe
With the approval of Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB we became family) and read out to the elderly. There were photographs,
affiliated to the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations music and dance. The atmosphere was very warm and relaxing
(WUCWO) as an associate member body in June 2021. Fr. and thoroughly enjoyed by our special guests, the over 65s.
Keith Herrera, Administrator of St Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen As part of the "Earth Action Initiative" in September, CWO
is our Ecclesiastical Assistant. The WUCWO is an international Aberdeen had a beach clean (Donmouth beach, Aberdeen). We
body recognised by the Holy See and has its secretariat in Rome. need to help to look after the planet God has placed in our care.
The CWO Aberdeen holds meetings quarterly, and with the Apart from our own activities, CWO Aberdeen also
pandemic some of our activities became "virtual". participate in the WUCWO's worldwide initiatives.
We carry out various activities which include support for the CWO is a global organisation - an umbrella for all Catholic
needy in our midst and support for identified parishioners and women regardless of race, marital or social status. We foster
our members as the need arises. unity, inclusion and common fellowship amongst Catholic
We organise prayer, retreats, seminars and workshops. We women. Together we nurture our Catholic faith through
fund-raise for the parish and take part in other activities within committed service and charity.
the community. One of our best known events is our Christmas We hope and pray, by the grace of God, to make an increasing
social gathering at the Cathedral. impact in our diocese and society at large through the intercession
We host receptions for those receiving the sacraments for the of Our Blessed Mother Mary, our role model. Amen!
first time, when invited to by the parish. Recently, we co-hosted If you'd like to know more about what we do or would like to
the reception, after the first votive Mass of the Holy Spirit of join us and request a registration form, kindly email:
cwo.stmaryscathedral@yahoo.com
Page 7