“I always end up blessed”

More than 450 women gathered at the Embassy Suites in Norman on Feb. 23 for the 12 ^th annual Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference. Women attended from throughout the state, including from Tulsa, Woodward, Altus, Ada, Weatherford, Ponca City, Stillwater, Enid, Del City and Oklahoma City.
 
“Being surrounded by 500 women in adoration and hearing them chant and sing during benediction was especially moving and powerful,” said Lisa McKelvey, development chairwoman for the conference.
 
Participants enjoyed Mass with Bishop David Konderla of the Diocese of Tulsa as well as adoration, reconciliation, a guided Holy Hour, vendors and a variety of speakers.
 
Bishop Konderla used his homily to explore the life of Saint Polycarp, whose feast day fell on the day of the conference.
 
“Central to a martyr’s witness,” he said, “is the courage they have to do what they’re doing, maybe with their knees shaking, maybe crying,”
 
Bishop Konderla employed the life of Blessed Stanley Rother as an added example. “The shepherd did not run,” he said.
 
“Knowing you will not buck to any fear, not give anything away is a tremendous freedom and great power, a calm and a peace that allows one, even in the midst of facing challenges and threats, to be at peace at a deeper level of the heart; Jesus I trust in you.”
 
Mary Amore, author, editor and co-contributor of “Every Day with Mary,” a daily devotional recently published by Our Sunday Visitor, presented two talks.
 
One was titled, “Eucharist: Pathway to Transformation, Healing and Discipleship.” Amore discussed how our encounter with the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist holds the opportunity for change if we open our hearts.
 
Her second talk, “In the Footsteps of Mary” explored the life of Mary as a young Jewish girl whose fiat changed the course of salvation history. 
 
Michelle Workman, minister to Heart of Mary Women’s Fellowship, a parish-based online and annual conference ministry for women that is modeled after the virtues of Mary, led a Holy Hour with the Chaplet of Saint Michael the Archangel.



Woodeen Koenig-Bricker, author, editor and blogger, led a talk titled “Women in the Bible You Never Knew.” Here, Koenig-Bricker revealed stories behind some of the 188 women named in the Bible and discussed their relevancy for women today.
 
Judith White of Woodward said she has attended nearly every Oklahoma women’s conference. Every year, White brings a group of women, including her daughter. 
 
“I always take something away,” White said. “A lot of times I’m not really in the mood when I get there, but I always end up blessed.”
 
Reina Vargas, a first-year participant, said the conference was “wonderful” and the speakers spoke to her heart.
 
“One speaker in particular had perfect timing for Lent,” Vargas said. “She talked about using crosses, about spiritual transformation, about not being stuck by the past.”
 
Vargas said what stood out to her was how Mary honored God with things that didn’t make sense or things she didn’t understand. She didn’t question God. She had simple faith instead of telling God how to do things. She surrendered true humility.
 
“This conference encouraged me so much. It was a real blessing, especially as we get ready for Lent. I'm so grateful that I was able to attend this beautiful event with so many amazing women to encourage each other as we celebrate and grow in our faith together.”
 
Participants were encouraged to bring donations for Sanctuary Women’s Development Center, a service of Catholic Charities that provides resources and support for low income and homeless women and children.
 
Next year’s conference is scheduled for March 28 in Norman. Visit www.OCWConference.com.
 
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.