An invitation is extended to all women to purchase a membership in the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. By doing so you will be: supporting the efforts of League members across Canada who are diligently working to promote the teachings of the Catholic church. Part of the largest national organization of Catholic women in Canada with a tradition of service to others as expressed in its motto “For God and Canada.”
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is an organization that contributes to the life and vitality of the church, family and community, both at home and abroad. While your presence at meetings is important, we realize that in this busy world it may not always be possible for you to attend. Be assured that your interest and support is as important as your attendance!
Included in your membership is The Canadian League magazine (published three times per year) which will keep you informed of League business and projects and in contact with other members across Canada.
Want to know more about the League? Please contact [email protected] or see the National Office page for information about national office staff.
Our Patroness "Our Lady of Good Counsel"
The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel is celebrated on April 26. We pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, the patroness of the League, who is our model to be imitated. How did the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel come about? In 1910, the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) was organized in Brussels, Belgium.
Following the organizational meeting of the League on June 20, 1920 in Montreal, an invitation was received from WUCWO inviting the League to affiliate with the world-wide federation. Historical records indicate Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel, had been chosen as the patroness of WUCWO. Subsequently, at the annual national convention in 1923 in Halifax, a resolution was passed to adopt Our Lady of Good Counsel as the League’s patroness.
It is interesting to note, from church records, that the title Mother of Good Counsel had been inserted into the Litany of the Blessed Virgin in the early 1900s by the pope of the day. The history and recognition of the picture of Our Lady of Good Counsel is explained in the historical section of the National Manual of Policy and Procedure.
Catholic Women's League Invites you
Membership is established and maintained by payment of the annual prescribed Membership fee through a local parish council. Four categories of Membership are available:
General Membership: a Catholic woman 16 years of age or over, may become a member, with voting privileges and with eligibility for office by election or appointment.
Life Membership: a member, nominated by a diocesan or provincial council, fulfilling the criteria established by the national executive, may be awarded a life Membership in national council.
Honorary Life Membership: a distinctive honour bestowed on a member who has served as national president.
Associate Membership: a non-Catholic woman 16 years of age or over may become a member, with voting privileges, but without eligibility for office by election or appointment.