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Over 300 women from the Diocese of Albany and beyond attended the first Unleashing Love Women’s Retreat, which was held at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville on Dec. 10. The purpose of the retreat was to empower women to open their hearts to share God’s love.

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger celebrated Mass during the day-long event, which also included reconciliation — there were 18 priests as confessors — rosary and Holy Hour. The Sisters of Life also offered three presentations on topics that included: The Heart of a Woman, Encountering the Merciful Heart of Christ, and Praying with Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Other women religious orders attending included the Sisters of the Resurrection, Sisters of St. Joseph, the Carmelites and Sisters of the Presentation.

Thomas Cronin, advisor to the Bishop for Evangelization in the Diocese of Albany, spearheaded the event which was made possible by the help of 25 volunteers from diocesan young adult events, diocesan staff, St. Pius X parishioners and youth ministry, staff from other parishes, and five young men from the St. Isaac Jogues House of Discernment.

“The Diocesan Women’s Retreat exceeded my expectations,” Cronin said. “We set an aggressive schedule in order to provide a variety of experiences which included three presentations, a witness talk, rosary, reconciliation, Mass and a Holy Hour.”

Nancy Bielawa, executive director for Stewardship & Development in the Diocese of Albany, attended the event and said it was “so hopeful and joyful to see women of all ages including school age!

“The speakers, members of the Sisters of Life, were so powerful in their messaging. I was especially moved by the talk around ‘Heart of a Woman’ as it spoke to me in such a different way as to the many roles I have as a woman: daughter, sister, mother, etc. I laughed and cried as Sister Luca shared this beautiful message and it no doubt drew me closer in faith and toward a better understanding of my purpose as a woman of faith.  All women need to hear this!”

Cronin added that the goal is to make the Diocesan Women’s Retreat an annual event and he expects to start planning next year’s event soon. Planning is already underway for the next Step-Up Men’s Conference, which was held at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville on Aug. 20.

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