Liz Schiavone, president of the Arlington Diocesan Council of
Catholic Women (ADCCW), recently wrote a letter to Pope
Francis in which she praised Arlington Bishop Paul S.
Loverde’s support of women and families during his 16 years
as thw diocese’s shepherd.
Schiavone read the letter Aug. 28 at the organization’s
annual luncheon and presented Bishop Loverde with a spiritual
bouquet consisting of 50 Masses, rosaries, Divine Mercy
chaplets, acts of kindness and holy hours from ADCCW members.
Schiavone also recognized the contributions of Father Frank
Ready, former ADCCW chaplain, who died earlier this year.
Bishop Loverde expressed his gratitude for the faithful
support of Schiavone and the ADCCW board and encouraged the
women to attend the biannual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
in Washington Oct. 3.
The bishop said this year’s pilgrimage “is a unique moment in
the life of the church” because it follows the World Meeting
of Families in Philadelphia and precedes the World Synod of
Bishops in Rome.
“It’s important for the women of the diocese to be very
active,” he said.
The ADCCW co-sponsors the annual women’s conference with the
Office for Family Life. The 2016 conference will be held
March 12.
Schiavone reminded the group that the annual Peace and
Justice conference will be held Sept. 5 at Marymount
University in Arlington, while the annual Marriage Jubilee
Mass will be celebrated Oct. 25 at St. Agnes Church in
Arlington.
“We need people to be articulate about their faith through
their witness,” Bishop Loverde said. “This is a beautiful
diocese made beautiful by all the people in it.”
The bishop encouraged the women’s council to find different
ways of engaging young people.
“Let’s welcome the Holy Father and listen to what he has to
say,” said Bishop Loverde, referring to the upcoming visit of
Pope Francis to the United States.
Find out more
