An opportunity to gather in faith and fellowship
Submitted by the Diocese of Syracuse Commission on Women in Church and in Society
Women from around the diocese are invited to attend the 9TH Annual Syracuse Catholic Women’s Conference on Saturday, October 27th, in the Convention Center at the Oncenter in Syracuse. The theme for the day is “Trust in The Truth,” inspired in part by the fascinating testimony of the first speaker, Nikki Kingsley. Kingsley will share the story of her journey from the culture, faith, and traditions of the East to the freedom of the West and redemption and salvation in Jesus Christ.
Kingsley’s remarkable story began in Pakistan, where she was born in a Muslim family. She arrived in America at the age of thirty with her two young children, seeking freedom from an arranged marriage, and discovered the promise found in the dream called America.
Through a series of mystical experiences, she discovered the Truth in the person of Jesus Christ, and eventually converted from Islam to Catholicism. She has chronicled her compelling journey under the title “Thirst for Truth: From Mohammed to Jesus” and will speak her message of hope and the freedom found in Christ.
These same words, “thirst for truth,” appeared recently in a meditation published in the Magnificat magazine in February 2018. In an excerpt from his book “The Contemplative Hunger,” Father Donald Haggerty expounds, “Indeed, there is no contemplative grace bestowed unless a soul plunges deeply into a craving for truth.”
To help us deepen our desire for truth, speaker Father Shawn Monahan, OMV, will present on “Our True Identity as God’s Beloved.” He is a certified spiritual director and guide of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ordained to the priesthood in 2002, he has done apostolic work including Youth Ministry, Prison Ministry, Hospital Chaplaincy, and teaching RCIA. His current assignment as Novice Master brought him back to the Oblates of the Virgin Mary seminary in Boston where he studied.
A warm and engaging speaker, Father Shawn tells us, “I have developed a deeper understanding of the dynamics of growth and maturity in the Christian life and how to overcome and heal the wounds that hold us back from experiencing Jesus’ deepest desire for each of us.” He will share this message of love and healing in the arms of Mary.
Best-selling author Susan Tassone, the third speaker of the day, presents a message of faith in God’s promise of salvation. A longtime champion for the Holy Souls in purgatory, she had the honor and privilege of being granted two private audiences with Pope Saint John Paul II, who bestowed a special blessing upon her and her ministry for the Holy Souls. She is a frequent guest on radio and television broadcasts, and has been featured recently on EWTN Live with Father Mitch Pacwa and Women of Grace. Susan holds a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University and has authored many books, including “The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory,” which sold over 75,000 copies, and her most recent publication, “St. Faustina Prayer Book for Adoration.”
Additionally, there will be an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to participate in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The conference will also feature the missionary image of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Queen of all America, Mother of Hope and Protectress of the Unborn.
Music will be provided throughout the day by Jeremy Bobak, the Music Director at Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square. Originally from Buffalo, he has led praise and worship across New York State. Jeremy tells us, “I am overjoyed to be leading worship at the upcoming 2018 Syracuse Catholic Women’s Conference and can’t wait to meet everyone on October 27th!”
The event will conclude with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert J. Cunningham.
Cost for the conference, which includes a seated lunch, is $55 online until Oct. 24 or by mail if postmarked by Oct. 12; $70 at the door if space allows. Tables for groups of ten are also available for $550 until Sept. 30. To register, or for more information, visit www.syracusecatholicwomen.org.
