Exploring the untold stories of women’s influence in Church history and celebrating a milestone moment for the CWL Chair in Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University.
When one imagines a midweek evening lecture, the image of a full house might not immediately come to mind. Yet on September 25, St. Mary’s University’s Annual CWL Lecture in Catholic Studies drew a sold-out crowd, all eager to hear from renowned historian and author Dr. Bronwen McShea.
Her lecture, titled Women in Church History: Assumptions vs. Realities, explored the often overlooked yet profoundly influential roles women have played in shaping the Catholic Church throughout the centuries.
This year’s lecture was especially meaningful as it marked a historic achievement: the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) Chair in Catholic Studies surpassed the $2 million endowment milestone.
The evening’s topic could not have been more fitting. Just as the CWL’s vision, generosity, and perseverance have built a Chair that is now the envy of Catholic post-secondaries across Canada, so too have generations of faithful women shaped the Church’s direction through courage, conviction, and leadership.
In her presentation, Dr. McShea invited attendees to reconsider long-held assumptions about the Church’s past. “You do need to look back sometimes to look forward,” she shared, emphasizing that history offers countless examples of women who advanced the Church’s mission in remarkable ways.
From women who built hospitals and marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to noblewomen who shaped the political destiny of nations like France, Dr. McShea highlighted stories of courage and faith that transcend time, class, and race. Many of these women, she noted, not only participated in but also led pivotal movements in Church and societal transformation.
During a lively Q&A session, an audience member asked what quality women today should emulate from these historical figures. Dr. McShea’s response was both simple and profound:
“We are all called to cultivate love, faith, and hope. But in our time, a needed quality is courage.”
Her words served as a powerful reminder that the legacy of women in the Catholic Church is far from finished — it continues with the courage and commitment of today’s faithful.
St. Mary’s University extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this memorable and inspiring event.
Mark your calendars for the next lecture in our Inspiration Unplugged Lecture Series: we are excited to welcome Heather Khym, Co-founder of Life Restoration Ministries and Co-host of the acclaimed Abiding Together podcast, on January 22, 2026.
Purchase Dr. McShea’s book, “Women of the Church: What Every Catholic Should Know.”
Indigo Canada: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/women-of-the-church/3ac0ac46-fa5c-36d2-b4c4-891942a6b820.html