Bishop Checchio applauds work of Catholic Daughters at convention

PISCATAWAY – Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.

On May 20, the day before Ascension Sunday, the 58th Biennial New Jersey State Convention of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas was held in Embassy Suites, Piscataway, marking the first time in four years that the state convention has gathered following the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates and alternates are chosen from each of the local courts throughout the state to attend the convention. 

During his homily, Bishop James F. Checchio, who celebrated the opening Mass, reminded those present that, unlike today’s Christians who consider the Ascension “as a celebration of Jesus returning to the Father,” the early Christians considered it “a tragedy, not joyful because Jesus was leaving them. … They were sad and confused, fearful that people would come after them to try and squash out Jesus and his message from the face of the earth.

“They were in that Upper Room, in what we call the original Novena, from Ascension Thursday to Pentecost. They were in the Upper Room in fear, but in prayer, too. And of course, the Holy Spirit comes to them and changes everything. When the Holy Spirit comes, they leave the Upper Room, they are no longer afraid or fearful, but they are fearless and bold. They are now articulate speakers and travel throughout the world spreading Jesus’ message through the Holy Spirit.”

The Bishop reminded members that “these days between Ascension and Pentecost are days meant for us to imitate the original Apostles with the Blessed Mother in the Upper Room. Imitate them in that original Novena of prayers, praying for the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop Checchio shared that while he was rector at the American Seminary in Rome, he saw the benefits of CDA donations, and recalled that CDA members visited and supported the American Seminary. During his time as rector, 490 priests were ordained and serve all over the United States. He thanked the CDA members for their support, saying, “I know that it is only a small slice of all the work that you do. 

“You do such good work focusing on unity and charity and so many are affected by the good works that you do. You brighten so many people’s days by your work, so keep at it.”

Also present at the convention was Brenda West, National Director of Catholic Daughters of the Americas. During the convention, a new set of state board officers was chosen, including Theresa R. Dieterich as State Regent, Loretta Zimmer as First Vice State Regent, Philomena Milano as Second Vice State Regent, Betty Ryan as State Secretary, and Diane Aumenta as State Treasurer.