What is a sister? I’ve been asking myself this for the past while as we get back to doing in-person business with our league. I’ve attended or chaired various meetings and CWL activities both on ZOOM and again in person. I know I see sisterhood in our league but how do we define it? How can we explain our special relationship to non members—and to ourselves?

So, like the modern woman I am, I googled it and got the following results. Sisterhood is the relationship between sisters. Sisterhood shows honesty, loyalty and trustworthiness. A sister is there in times of need and in times of celebration. She communicates with her sisters and doesn’t forget what’s important to them. Even from afar, simple acts can demonstrate your desire to be a better sister. (Thank you, everydayhealth.com).

Well, all of this works for me and I saw sisterhood at our March 12, 2022 Spring League Development Day at St. Patrick’s Church in Victoria. 54 of our sisters came to the meeting from all over the island. Some even came down the day before and stayed the night so that they wouldn’t miss the day’s activities.

We began our day with the best celebration there is; mass with Father Alfie. Our sisters and choir sang out loud and with joy to the Lord. 

Our sisters at St. Pat’s, along with the Knights of Columbus, were there in our time of need and served the best Irish stew I’ve ever had. Lots of coffee, buns, muffins and tea were included. (Yes, I was good. I even ate the oranges!)

Three speakers showed us the importance of our league, our lives as Christians and the need for us to reach out to others. All good league stuff.

Father Konrad talked about the time the Campbell River CWL supported him when he found himself with no money or resources while he was waiting to enter the US. He spoke about our role as women which includes passing on the faith to our families and those around us`.

Then Bishop Gary arrived with two friends. Pure chaos broke out. His two friends, of course, were his old dog Merlin and a year and a half old golden retriever puppy. Some puppy! Both dogs loved being petted and photographed and enjoyed the muffins! When the noise subsided a bit, Bishop Gary told us how happy he is to see us again in person and how much he valued what we do as league. Not to be upstaged, Father William dropped in with his 16 year old dachshund, Ben, to say “hi” to us.

Our last speaker from Peace and Development gave a slide show and said how the organization hoped to improve people’s lives with our help. She spoke about the need to educate girls in Afghanistan.

I think that we saw and understand true sisterhood in our League Development Day at St. Patrick’s.