UNLEASHING LOVE WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

December 12, 2023 at 11:57 a.m.

Anne Costa, an author of Catholic books, speaks during the Unleashing Love Women's Conference on Dec. 9 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bernadette Abeel of Schenectady holds her 4-month-old daughter, Marie, during Mass at the Unleashing Love Women’s Conference on Dec. 9 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Women queue up to receive communion from Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger and others during the Unleashing Love Women’s Retreat on Dec. 9 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Sisters and parishioners take turns leading the rosary prayers during the Unleashing Love Women’s Conference on Dec. 9 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Ashley Putney of Little Falls takes part in the rosary prayers during the Unleashing Love Women’s Conference on Dec. 9 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

The second-annual Unleashing Love Women’s Conference was held at St. Pius X Church on Dec. 9 and 420 women attended this inspiring diocesan-wide event.
Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger celebrated the closing Mass and was joined by 15 priests from across the Diocese who attended as confessors for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“It was such a blessed day. We had an amazing crowd of 420 women which was almost 70 more attendees from last year. The women were motivated and inspired by our three wonderful keynote speakers. The graces and mercy from the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be visibly seen on so many smiling faces,” said Thomas G. Cronin, director of Evangelization & Strategic Planning in the Diocese of Albany, who organized the conference. “Mass with Bishop Scharfenberger brought us all together around the source and summit of our faith and a wonderful Holy Hour led by Deacon Marty Dinan with music provided by the Sisters of Life concluded our day. I am so grateful for everyone that helped, especially the 22 men that volunteered and provided critical support to make the day such a success. The Holy Spirit was fully alive and enveloped everyone in attendance.”

The three keynote speakers were Mary DeTurris Poust (Advent Waiting: A Path to Love), Father Chris Alar, MIC, (Our Lady of Guadalupe) and Anne Costa (Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross).