I recently returned from a Women of Grace® event in Gibraltar and our first ever Women of Grace® Pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes and other Marian Shrines.
It was amazing to again witness firsthand how God is using our apostolate as a pivotal instrument in the new evangelization around the world. There are many parts of Europe where the faith is barely practiced but in the parishes where Women of Grace® is available, Jesus Christ is ALIVE in the women and in their families.
In Gibraltar, where we had our conference, several of the husbands, sons and male relatives of the women were in attendance and they shared how much they appreciated the program and how it was impacting their families. In fact, they sang and swayed to the "Women of Grace" theme song right along with their wives and mothers!!! It was quite a sight to behold. Tears flowed as loved ones embraced each other in the healing presence of Our Lord.
Upon my return I received the most beautiful letter from Maria Luisa, one of our facilitators who gave her testimony during our event. She has offered studies in La Línea, Spain and is branching into other Spanish territories. She shared, "I have to say that the Women of Grace has transformed me. When I heard Johnnette in one of the lessons say that Mary carried Jesus in her womb and that we also carry him when we receive the Eucharist, it made me aware of how I should behave with humility and love towards others, with the love of God, at work, family and those around us.
In chapter three, I was also reminded that God was there knocking at our door, but only we are the ones who have the key for that door. Once you open that door, abundant blessings fall upon you. Nowadays, life is so stressful that we leave things for tomorrow out of fear. And it is only then, when we open that door that we receive all the graces...I have been abundantly blessed, loved and supported with my husband, family, friends and the four priests from different parishes from La Línea."
Monique Risso, our Regional Coordinator in Gibraltar, reported that as a result of the retreat, their region has been blessed with six
new facilitators for Young Women of Grace® which they will be starting in the new school year, as well as three new facilitators for the adult Women of Grace® program.
As you can see, your generous support touches the lives of women and girls in the United States and around the world and enables us to continue our mission to "transform the world one woman at a time."
I will be holding you in my special prayers this Easter season, as will Father Philip Scott, F.J., who remembers you in his weekly mass for our intentions. Please also pray for us and the work of our apostolate.
May the abundant life of Jesus Christ be yours and may God bless you!
