(Contributed photo/Jean Dye)
MADISON — “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!”
Barbara Kutchmarek quoted this passage from Psalm 188 as she greeted those attending the Madison Catholic Woman’s Club’s 100-Year Anniversary Celebration held May 6 at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center.
Kutchmarek, a former club president, chaired the club’s centennial celebration with Margie Blau serving as co-chairman. A committee of 18 members helped plan the event, including current Co-Presidents Jean Dye and Judy Riddle.
The day included a social and time to view historical exhibits; a Rosary and Mass with Bishop Robert C. Morlino presiding and former club spiritual directors concelebrating; a luncheon; and a program in the center’s auditorium which featured video-taped interviews of long-time members and “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” with skits featuring former and current members reviewing the club’s 100-year history.
Of special interest was a “visit” from one of the club’s founders, Miss Mary O’Connor (played by Mary Quamme), who noted that the club began with 185 ladies who paid $1 in annual dues.
The purpose of the Catholic Woman’s Club then and now is “to unite Catholic women in religious, charitable, and civic responsibilities and activities.” Kutchmarek said the club’s history would not have been possible without the support of the diocesan bishops and priests who served as its spiritual directors. She said that the Mass was “central to the day.”
Those attending the celebration gathered in the chapel before the Mass to pray the Rosary in keeping with the club’s patroness, Mary, Mother of God. In his homily, Bishop Morlino noted that the women prayed the Rosary beautifully. “The gift of holiness of women is inspired by Our Lady,” said the bishop. “At this time, I can say I am blessed among women.”
He congratulated the women on “100 years of prayer and service rendered by you and your foremothers.” He reminded them that Mary is “the greatest human being who ever lived, the most perfect disciple, conceived without sin, our hero. You, dear women, have a special gift to imitate Mary in her holiness.”
Bishop Morlino said that Mary is “first and foremost the warrior against the forces of evil. When evil surrounds us, we turn to Mary to end it.”