Catholic Woman's League still dedicated after 90 years

Intermountain Catholic

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CWL President Gail Hensleigh (left) receives a gift of appreciation from her officers Carol Harley, Irene Castillo, and Pat Bayer, for her leadership.IC photo by Chris Young

SALT LAKE CITY — "God has blessed the Catholic Woman’s League with dedicated women who have continued the work of the founding women 90 years ago," said Cece Holt, Catholic Woman’s League custodian.

The CWL celebrated 90 years of history and service to the Diocese of Salt Lake City and the community Oct. 1, at the Ladies Literary Club. The occasion was the CWL’s Annual Membership Tea.

The CWL was established in March 1916, by Bishop Joseph S. Glass of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Bishop Glass was installed as bishop in 1915, and was the second bishop of the diocese.

"Bishop Glass dedicated himself to unifying his small but scattered flock of Catholics throughout the state of Utah, and coordinated Catholic affairs," said Holt. "In his Christmas letter to the diocese, he called for the concerted effort of all Catholics.

"I am sure you women present here today will not be surprised to hear that it was the women who responded almost immediately," said Holt. "They gathered together to form a womens’ league, which was popular in many eastern and some western dioceses."

Holt said historical records indicate there were 121 women who met at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in answer to the bishop’s request. The women wrote a constitution stating the league’s work would be in the interest of Christ, to spread the faith among non-Catholics, and to promote a better knowledge of Christian doctrine among Catholics maintaining, fellowship, and being helpful wherever necessary. It was Bishop Glass who suggested they name their league the Catholic Woman’s League.

"Bishop Glass is quoted as saying this name emphasizes the importance of the individual woman rather than her role as a member of a group," said Holt. "The name emphasizes an individual woman’s need for study, for prayer, recreation, and the contribution she can make with her own talents, time, and initiative to a Catholic organization. He was truly a clergyman ahead of his time.

"The first president was A. H. S. Bird, who was an amazing administrator," said Holt. "The initial success of the CWL can be attributed to her guidance. She served as president for 10 years. In 1920, she was invited to join the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW). In 1924, Pope Pius XI conferred on her the Papal Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for her outstanding service to God, Church, and her fellow men. She was the first American woman to receive this papal honor. Since then we have had some exemplary role models.

Holt said the first year the league was formed, 381 women became members. Within 10 years, there were 623 members. In the early years, membership was of top priority as there were many committees that needed workers. Meetings were always informative and challenging with thought-provoking speakers. Politics, literature, and the work of the Church were popular topics. Self education was important, so group were set up to further intellectual and spiritual pursuits. They also made time for social gatherings.

A library committee was established to distribute Catholic literature to schools, hospitals, and missions. The CWL spent time seeing off World War I troops at the Rio Grande Station, welcoming new Catholics, helping the Holy Cross Sisters by holding pantry showers, and setting up a social services office to help the unemployed, homeless children, prison inmates, and juveniles in detention. They also sewed items for Holy Cross Hospital, and offered services to immigrant neighborhoods.

During World War II, the CWL was involved with the Red Cross and staffed a booth at Auerbach’s Department Store in Salt Lake City. In 1945, they assisted Bishop Duane S. Hunt of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in establishing Catholic Charities, now known as Catholic Community Services. From 1950-1965, the CWL worked with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) to provide Christmas parties for the children at the Intermountain Tribal School in Brigham City. The CWL financed their work by holding silver teas and dances.

"It appears that 90 years later we do much the same thing," said Holt. We have provided assistance and services where they were needed. We now offer assistance to the Carmelite Sisters, CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa, and many civic and diocesan organizations through our annual benefit luncheon. We also a offer a partial scholarship to two junior girls from Judge Memorial Catholic High School and two junior girls from Juan Diego Catholic High School to attend Girls’ State. Because of a scheduling conflict, St. Joseph Catholic High School is unable to participate.

"We now have 225 paid members," said Holt. "We have a challenge to increase our membership as the women before us did between 1916 and 1926. The league is open to all women of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Our membership dues are $20 a year, and we have many activities and social gatherings."

If you would like to join the CWL, call Gail Hensleigh at (801) 582-0275, or Shirley Callahan at (801) 581-9277.