5th Catholic Women’s Conference on International Women’s Day

Women of God: Pilgrims of Hope Founded on Faith is the theme of the Catholic Women’s Conference V hosted by the The Missionaries of the Divine Potter (MDP), which takes place on Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) at St Joseph’s Convent Chapel.

The featured speakers are: Rhonda Maingot, co-foundress of the Living Water Community; Taresa Best Downes, Episcopal Delegate for Youth; Fr Urban Hudlin OP, and Madame Justice Tricia Hudlin-Cooper.

A Healing Service will  be conducted by Fr Trevor Nathasingh. Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon will celebrate Holy Mass. The Music Ministry will be led by St Anthony’s RC, Point Fortin.

Responding via email to questions from The Catholic News, Bernadette Burke, founder of the Missionaries of the Divine Potter stated, “the theme of this year’s conference, Women of God: Pilgrims of Hope Founded on Faith, speaks directly to the identity and calling of every woman within the Church and society”.

The Conference provides a sacred space for women to deepen their spiritual identity, embrace their mission and be empowered to live out their faith with boldness and conviction.

The last MDP conference was in 2016. The following year, the ministry collaborated with Fr Dwight Merrick and the Catholic Men’s Ministry to host their conference, ‘Man to Man: Be Holy as Your Heavenly Father is Holy.’  Burke subsequently took some time for spiritual reflection, focusing on personal growth and prayer. “Now, in this Jubilee Year—a time of renewal and recommitment—the ministry has been reactivated to celebrate and embrace the call of faith, hope, and mission.”

This year marked the “significant return” of the MDP women’s conference.  The decision to host the Conference on IWD was intentional. Burke said, “it reflects our desire to unite women in faith, hope, and mission as we embrace the spiritual call of the Jubilee, inspired by the words of Scripture: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants” (Levi 25:10).

Reflecting on the theme, she explained that to be a Woman of God is to recognise the sacred dignity and divine purpose bestowed upon each woman. She added, “rooted in scripture and tradition, women have always played a vital role in God’s plan from the strength of the biblical matriarchs to the unwavering faith of Mary, the Mother of God. Today, women continue to embody God’s love, wisdom, and strength in their families, communities, and workplaces, shaping the world with their authentic feminine presence.”

As Pilgrims of Hope, women are called to journey through life with trust and resilience, carrying the light of Christ even in the face of trials. Burke recognised that the pilgrimage of faith is not always easy, but hope sustains and propels people forward.

“In a world often marked by uncertainty and despair, women of faith are beacons of hope, bringing encouragement, renewal, and healing wherever they go,” she said. Anchored in faith, women become missionary disciples of Christ, transforming society through love, justice, and service.

Gathering in the Jubilee Year and on International Women’s Day, the achievements of women are celebrated but also as Burke said, “their God-given purpose in building a civilisation of love and hope.” She invited women of faith to walk together united in God, strengthened by hope, and unwavering in faith, “as we continue this sacred pilgrimage toward His eternal promise”. —LPG