SEVEN SPRINGS - The Pennsylvania State Court Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) held its 49th biennial state convention at Seven Springs Mountain Resort from Friday, May 20, through Monday, May 23. The state court is celebrating 100 years, and the conference theme was "A Century of Unity and Charity Under Mary's Grace." Delegates dressed in period clothing representing 1911 through 2011 at Friday evening's dinner.
The state court received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Congratulatory letters were received from the bishops of all eight dioceses in Pennsylvania.
One hundred and sixty-nine Catholic Daughters were in attendance, representing all state dioceses. The Court Our Lady of Victory No. 588, comprised of women from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Divine Redeemer and Holy Angels churches, sent the following three delegates to the convention: Mary Catherine Wydra, regent; Rosemarie Koronkiewicz, financial secretary; and Nora Avellino, treasurer. The delegation elected the following State Officers for two-year terms: Margaret Novak, state regent; Margaret Guckin, first vice state regent; Margaret Rafferty, second vice state regent; Shirley Hall, state secretary; and Margaret Giordano Sultzbach, state treasurer. Five delegates and four alternates were elected to the 2013 nominating committee.
Avellino, treasurer of the local court, was formally inducted into the CDA at Friday's installation Mass held at St. Peter's Church in Somerset. Saturday's Memorial Mass was offered for deceased CDA members. The new state officers were installed at Sunday's Mass, and on Monday a Mass of Thanksgiving was offered.
Discussions at the conference centered on the CDA mission of participating in spiritual, educational and charitable programs and promoting the quality of life for people in the parishes and communities.
Delegates approved a motion to allow the state court to submit a bid to hold the 2016 National CDA Convention in Pennsylvania . The 2012 national convention will be held in Omaha, Neb., and Montana will be the site for the 2014 national convention.
Catholic women 18 years and older are welcome to join the local court. Meetings are held the second Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Senior Center.
For additional information, call Wydra at 339-4795.