Totus Tuus Women's Conference Celebrates 10 Years of Faith and Fellowship

The Totus Tuus Catholic Women's Conference recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a two-day event held at St Jerome's Croatian Catholic Church on October 24 and 25. This year's theme, inspired by Romans 8:28, encouraged women to trust in God's plan and recognize the good He can bring from every circumstance. The conference was founded by Andrina de Gouveia under the Foundation for the Person and the Family, a Catholic non-profit organization.

The first day of the conference began with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Maren Dašek, followed by praise and worship led by Thuso, Wa Sibini. Cardinal Brislin also delivered a special welcome address, recorded for the occasion. Six speakers shared reflections and insights that encouraged the women to embrace their faith with joy, purpose, and renewed confidence. Fr Solomon Mphela reflected on the simplicity of St Francis and practical ways to incorporate these values into daily life.

The second day of the conference offered a different rhythm, inviting women to step away from their busy lives and spend time in prayer, reflection, and renewal. The day began with Holy Mass, followed by the Rosary in the church grotto. Auxiliary Bishop Masilo John Selemela delivered a virtual address, and participants also heard reflections on St John Paul II's Letter to Women and the gift of feminine genius.

The conference program included a creative art session facilitated by Donelle Smith, inspired by the theme of being created in love by God the Father. Participants created personal art pieces to take home as a gift from the Totus Tuus team. The garden hosted various stalls offering Catholic resources, books, and religious art, providing opportunities for fellowship and discovery during lunch breaks.

The Totus Tuus Women's Conference was inspired by Pope St John Paul II's Theology of the Body. The conference seeks to bring this message to life, encouraging women to recognize their God-given dignity, discover their purpose, and use their gifts in the places where God has called them. The conference has grown from an in-person gathering to an online event during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching women in 26 cities worldwide.

As Totus Tuus enters its second decade, plans are underway to extend its reach through a podcast launching in 2027. This will make the wealth of testimonies, reflections, and talks from the conference accessible to even more women and families. The conference has chosen Saints Zélie and Louis Martin and St Rafqa as patron saints for its 10th anniversary, offering examples of faith, family, and perseverance.

The Totus Tuus team expressed gratitude to all the women who have supported and participated in the conference over the past decade, as well as the dedicated working committee whose generosity and commitment make each gathering possible. As the conference looks towards 2027, it seeks to continue inspiring women to live out their faith with confidence and joy.

Key points

• The conference celebrated its 10th anniversary with a two-day gathering featuring speakers, prayer, and reflection.
• The event was inspired by Pope St John Paul II's Theology of the Body and seeks to encourage women to recognize their God-given dignity and purpose.
• Plans are underway to launch a podcast in 2027, extending the conference's reach to more women and families.