God’s grace, hope, dignity, and love.  “Love one another as I have loved you.” These are the words that ignite my soul – now that I truly understand the essence of their meaning.  During the storms of my life, I must utter those same words Our Lord did in the garden of Gethsemane.  “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”  I can only say those words with trust because of the gift of faith I have received in this journey. My desire in joining WOW-T was so that I could share in the ministry of letting other women partake in those same experiences I did – to gain knowledge of our Faith and truly understand what it means to fully grasp that our God loves us – to put ourselves completely in the hands of God as our Lord did in his most human moment.  I am honoured and privileged to be a part of the WOW Team.  

I enjoyed a career in pharmaceuticals for many years. Last year, I retired to enjoy my two wonderful grandchildren. I was invited to join WOW-T by Mary Filangi, the founder of this ministry. I loved that it was just for women. I had a dream that WOW-T would ask me to share my testimonial and when Mary did ask, I told her I already knew what she was going to ask of me and my answer was yes! I believe testimonials are what separates WOW-T from other ministries. When I shared my story at the very first Women of the Word – Toronto Forum, I don't know if it helped or even touched any of the women in attendance but I do know it was a great contributor to my personal healing and my coming into a deeper relationship with God and our Heavenly Mother. What I experienced is what I hope all women experience when they come to a WOW-T event.

As a Canadian immigrant, widowed at a young age, I found the strength to conquer all obstacles and tribulations through my faith. I began my social ministry work after losing my husband; as I mourned, and worked through my new responsibilities, I felt very clearly that God was calling me to serve and asking me to use all my experiences in a way that would benefit others. I received bereavement training at Immaculate Conception Church, in Woodbridge and then led the Bereavement program. With the support of my parish priest, Fr. Daniele Bertoldi, a close friend, and I were able to establish The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program in the parish. This required us to set up a Montessori Atrium which was completed in 2005 and named “Mary Queen of Families Atrium.” In my career I worked with a diversity of people as VP of Operations in the Manufacturing Industry. I have enjoyed helping each employee discover their potential and coaching them to success while prompting them to trust in God’s love for them. This led me to give short spiritual motivational talks at prayer groups which ignited within me the desire to learn more about Holy Scripture. I believe that through the WORD we are transformed and this has been my strength in restructuring my life. Through my experience, I hope to help others discover their potential and find peace during life's inevitable struggles. For many years, through annual gatherings, WOW-T has consistently reached to women beyond the pews, with focus on healing and restoration through God’s love; in 2012 I welcomed the invitation to become a member. Women of the Word -Toronto is a voice reaching out to all women through the Word and I am proud to be part of this mission.

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