By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer
“Do you know the interior path Mary had to take with God? What was going on her heart? We know her ‘fiat’ but we don’t realize that it wasn’t a one-time act. God is doing that with us, too,” said Dr. Edward Sri, theologian and author, to 560 women at the third Diocese of Allentown Women’s Conference.
Sri, well-known Catholic speaker who appears regularly on EWTN, was one of the keynote speakers at the sold-out conference, “Women: Chosen for a Purpose,” Oct. 5 at DeSales University, Center Valley.
Sri was joined by Sarah Christmyer, a Catholic author and speaker, and co-developer and founding editor of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program.
The conference began with Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. In his homily, the Bishop discussed the theme of being chosen not only in our earthly callings, but in the context of eternity.
“We are ultimately chosen for eternal life,” he said. “Christ gives us all that is needed, and here at the altar is where we find the strength to live our purpose. Each of us is chosen to be nourished by the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.”
Sri presented the morning keynote, which focused on the idea that we are all chosen for greatness.
“We were not made for the comforts of this world, but to be transformed in Christ,” he said. “God called Mary out of her comfort to do something bigger than her plan. This is how God works in the lives of all the saints.”
In Sri’s afternoon address, “Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross,” he said Mary wasn’t troubled by the angel Gabriel appearing to her at the Annunciation.
“She was in fear when he said ‘hail, full of grace.’ Mary is the greatest of all the saints and sometimes we forget that she is human. She experienced moments of darkness, suffering and often didn’t understand what was happening. And she still walked by faith – not sight,” he said.
All along, Sri said, Mary kept an open heart, talked to God and refused to be controlled by fear.
“We all experience fear when God calls us. That’s natural. But what do you do? Do you trust his plan and not your own?” he asked.
Sri also advised the women to look to Mary when they encounter suffering or problems at home, the work place and with family.
Sri delivered a powerful message that God loves us as we are.
“God knows we aren’t perfect, but he is willing to meet us where we are – as long as we are coming to him as imitators of Jesus,” said Sri.
Several of the women in attendance shared their thoughts on Sri’s message.
“Dr. Sri was incredible. His talks were energizing and inspiring,” said Cecelia Bussell, from Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally.
“Dr. Sri was one of the best speakers I have ever heard,” added Nancy Hendrickson from St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall. “I have only attended a few of these types of conferences in the past few years, and this was the best I have ever attended.”
During Christmyer’s afternoon talk, “Not Perfect, But Chosen,” she stressed that God has chosen each of the women – whether they are up to it or not.
She cited Sarah, the long infertile wife of Abraham who never faltered in trusting God as the perfect human example.
“Sarah was the first person after Eve who was chosen. God wanted her to be the mother of his people, but she couldn’t have kids. Did you feel like God chose you to do something impossible?” said Christmyer.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe your weakness is the point. Not one of us is a perfect parent, disciple, friend or sister,” she said.
Sarah went on to have a child, Isaac, when she was 90 years old.
“The long time Sarah had to wait for a child almost seems like a cruel joke. Only God knows what he is doing in us. He calls us to patiently wait and trust in him. Through Sarah we can learn how to give hope to ourselves,” said Christmyer.
“Both speakers were excellent and I learned so much from them,” shared Angela Livengood of Assumption BVM, Northampton. “They connected the dots in Bible stories and offered ways to grow closer to Christ and share faith in daily life. I loved their instruction.”
Tina Zambo, parishioner of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, said the conference was a great reminder that God created every woman with a purpose.
“Our purpose may be a mother, single or religious person, and each purpose is worthwhile and important in the eyes of God. We may struggle at times, but we are to strive to fulfill our purpose knowing that God gave it to us knowing our capabilities and our weaknesses. Sometimes struggles are intended to strengthen us,” said Zambo.
“It was amazing to be in a room filled with diocesan women there to strengthen their faith. The speakers both delivered messages that, while meant for everyone, seemed like they were intended just for me.”
“It brings us together to do this as a parish,” said Roseanne Bedway Ladue, who was part of a group of over 20 women who attended from St. Ambrose Parish, Schuylkill Haven. Their group coordinated red outfits so they could find one another in the crowd. “It’s a wonderful day with women from all around the Diocese.”
Presentadoras en Español: Martha Fernández-Sardina es una oradora y escritora internacional bilingüe, predicadora y maestra, cuya misión es preparar el camino del Seño. La Hermana Sophia Marie Peralta, S.C.C. es miembro de las Hermanas de la Caridad Cristiana, Hijas de la Bienaventurada Virgen María de la Inmaculada Concepción.
