Catholic women representing various parts of York were privileged to attend the dynamic service at St George’s Church, Leeds on 16th June to mark 75 years of WWDP in England.

From an initial service in 1932 attended by 250 women at City Temple, the movement has grown to 3000 branches representing 18 parts of the Christian faith family in England. Our commitment to ‘informed prayer, prayerful action’ helped WWDP grow vigorously during the Second World War, and its relevance and power is as important and effective today. It is the largest ecumenical movement in the world organised and led by women.

The truly memorable commemoration service in Leeds contained nostalgic scenes of our history using high-tech presentations; extremely graceful dance; uplifting music; a fine speaker Rosemary Wass, Yorkshire farmer’s wife and president of the world federation of Methodist and Uniting Christian Women; and of course plenty of prayer for the nations, with candles in a rainbow setting. Our symbol representing unity was designed by an Irish nun and our new national chairperson Mimi Barton is Catholic, so it is time more Catholic women made a difference.

Preparations are already afoot for 7th March 2008: the service has been prepared by the women of Guyana and the theme is ‘God’s wisdom provides new understanding’. The North Yorkshire study day is Thursday 4th October at the Quiet Garden, Sheriff Hutton. Contact Angela Breffit on (01904) 426666 or your local committee for more details.

Angela Breffit, St Wilfrid's Parish, York