The Catholic Women S League of Canada

Ontario Provincial Council of

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada

Annual Provincial Convention

Oral Report

Name: Lynne Rowlandson Office: Timmins Diocesan President

Several years ago, Doctor Simone was a guest speaker at a Timmins Diocesan Convention. Dr. Simone is a physician who has given up his worldly belongings and income to support people in third world countries.

Our diocese (every parish council) has been very diligent in helping Dr. Simone with his work. In the past few years we have collected such things as pneumonia jackets, sweaters, blankets, school supplies, soap, money, shoes, sandals, shopping bags, salt, hats, mittens etc….I have retired from nursing and they will even take my old uniforms! CWL members have also provided some of these same articles to people living in our communities and going to our schools-our third world.

I see the Lord working through the hands and eyes of the members that help to make these missions possible. I see the Lord in the CWL members who make the articles, who collect the articles(heaven forbid that we should leave a convention with space in our vehicles), who transport these items, who package these items,and I see the Lord in the ladies who book a transport that is going back to Toronto empty! I see the Lord in the eyes of the husbands who believe we have become hoarders when they see the piles of garments and supplies awaiting transport. They are patient and supportive.

I see the Lord in the fellowship of CWL members who have organized knitting groups to help teach us how to make the articles needed. It is a special time where members, especially older members who may feel that they not useful anymore can enjoy an outing, some sweets and refreshments and do some remembering. This is especially true in our long northern winters!

I have never been to a third world country but I can vividly imagine that I see the Lord in the excited faces and expressions of the people who receive the articles we have made, collected, packaged and sent to them.