”Be Steadfast in Faith”

                                                                                                                    1 Peter 5:9

Nancy Hanna,  named NUDCCW Women of the Year, pictured with Bishop John M. LeVoir.

Nancy Hanna surround by her family above

and below with the women who nominated her.

My dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

As I pondered and prayed about the message I want to give to you-one thought kept entering my mind, “Respect for ALL Life”.  Notice I emphasized “ALL Life.  We hear a lot about abortion, and rightfully so, since the killing of helpless, innocent human beings is such an intrinsic evil.

          My thoughts also turn to the many people who are in pain because of other violent acts-fathers killing their children and wife; children murdering parents, grandparents and other children; unhappy workers are taking the lives of innocent people, people’s lives are being taken on death row.  Why are people reacting so violently?  Since all evil acts come from Satan, it seems he is running wild and picking up speed.

          Why am I telling you such morbid things?  Because I know the Council of Catholic Women are “Women of Faith, Women of Action” and if something needs to be done, just ask them and it WILL get done.  I am asking you to put on the Armor of God and go to battle to bring about a change of hearts.  When people have the love of God in their hearts, the laws will change.

          I think Council of Catholic Women are being called to bring God’s love to ALL people-our families, our parishes, CCW organizations, work places, neighborhoods.  Remember the Golden Rule “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you”?  Today’s rule seems to be “Do others before they do you”.  We are called to treat people with good manners (manners? I think they went out with $1.00 a gallon gas), be polite, share the joy Jesus gives you every time you receive

Him in the Holy Eucharist.  A priest friend of mine once told me “many Catholics go around looking like they had been baptized in lemon juice”.  Don’t let them say that about you.  Recently I received an email that said “Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle” and I believe that is true.

          Now you are probably thinking, “I know all of that”, and I’m sure you do.  My point is that the Council of Catholic Women need to find a way to express God’s love and instill the virtues to our children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, neighborhood kids-all we come in contact with.  I mention “virtues”-how many people know what the virtues are: (Theological) Faith, Hope Charity and the Cardinal (Moral)-prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude.  I believe if justice were practiced, our country would not be in the economic situation it is in now.

          Fr. Corapi of EWTN TV recently stated “we are fighting a war (with Satan) and we need to have weapons and know how to use them.”  We have the most effective weapons possible available to us:  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Rosary.”  Our speaker, Dr. Sri, will inspire us even more as he addresses “Praying the Rosary Like Never Before.”

          You, the Council of Catholic Women are “warriors“; prayer warriors, justice warriors, charity warriors, social issue warriors, service warriors.  CCW Women -activate your weapons and let’s go to battle for the truths the Catholic Church teaches.  I know you can and will bring about good changes in our society.

  I thank all of you for your support and for your continued inspiration.  I especially thank Bishop LeVoir, Msgr. Lozinski, and the Diocesan Board of Directors for their commitment and dedication.

 May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to guide us as we all strive to be “Steadfast In Faith”.

Thank you.