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September 12, 2021By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press
WEBSTER - The Sept. 11 Worcester Catholic Women’s Conference focused on evil in society and in individuals, and offered tools for combating it – from prayer to sacraments to Scripture reading to doing whatever God tells you to do.
Participants expressed appreciation for different aspects of the conference, which drew an estimated 360 women from the Worcester Diocese and beyond to St. Joseph Basilica and School.
The day began with adoration and praying of the rosary, led by Bishop McManus, and ended with Mass, which he celebrated. In between, speakers shared powerful personal experiences, words of encouragement, explanations of Scripture and exorcisms, and stories of the work of women, including the Blessed Mother and St. Joan of Arc. The conference theme was “Joan up with the armor of God.”
Bishop William Byrne, bishop of Springfield, spoke about the sacrament of reconciliation.
His sister, Sister Deirdre Byrne, superior of the D.C. Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts community, who has done medical and military service in far ranging areas, gave a talk about “Preparation to Win the Battle.”
Father David Gunter, a Marian Father of the Immaculate Conception who gives parish missions about Our Lady of Fatima and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart, gave two talks about putting on the armor of God. He also enrolled participants in the brown scapular (scapulars were among religious items in bags given out to all), and prayed over the women for release from sins and evil spirits.
Catholic lay evangelist Jesse Romero, a retired Los Angeles deputy sheriff, spoke about the rosary as the weapon against evil.
Mary Rice Hasson, director of the Catholic Women’s Forum of professional women and the Kate O’Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., focused on what one woman can do.
The conference also provided time to go to confession, talk with speakers and fellow participants and browse about 25 exhibitors’ tables for information and purchases.
