NCCW celebrates centenary

This year commemorates the 100th year since its founding for the National Council of Catholic Women.

On March 4, 1920, 200 Catholic women from around the country assembled in Washington, D.C. “to unite and fortify their efforts in service to God and the Church,” according to the NCCW. There, at the National Catholic Community House, the organization was brought into being by the U.S. Catholic bishops, with 126 voting delegates representing 13 of the 14 Catholic ecclesiastical provinces.

The National Council of Catholic Women was founded as a result of Catholic women’s support of World War I war efforts. At the time, there were more than 5,000 Catholic women’s organizations, which eventually became the first NCCW affiliates.

The National Council of Catholic Women will celebrate its 100th anniversary Aug. 26-29 in Arlington, Va., at a national convention. The theme will be “A Vision for the Future.” Speakers will include Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Gloria Purvis and Abby Johnson.