Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Speakers at the Lincoln Diocesan Council Catholic Women (LDCCW) 12th annual “Winter Symposium” shared their insights and experiences with attendees at the event held on Feb. 17. The symposium, titled “Magnify Our Lord with Beauty and Truth,” brought together Catholic women from the Diocese of Lincoln to explore various aspects of faith and service.

Val Able, president-elect for the 2024-2026 term, expressed her admiration for the speakers, stating, “I was absolutely amazed at the passion and love for our Lord that each of the speakers brought to the symposium. To have each of them share their faith journeys with us brought joy to my heart.”

Charlie Williams, from the Women’s Care Center Foundation, highlighted the value of all life during his presentation, saying, “All life has value, no matter what amount of time God has allotted us on Earth.” He emphasized the organization's mission to support pregnant women and provide essential resources for them and their babies.

Bonnie Damrow, a symposium attendee, reflected on the impactful presentations, including one on the fight against sex trafficking in Nebraska by Paul Yates of I’ve Got a Name. Yates raised awareness about the issue, stating, “The harsh reality is there is a silent epidemic of sex trafficking in Nebraska.” He urged the audience to join the fight against this injustice.

Emily Martinez, of Restoration Psychotherapy and Wellness, shared a visual presentation on finding beauty in everyday life, which resonated with Damrow, who expressed, “Seeing this young gal that is on fire for the Lord was truly a blessing.”

Sarina Stokes, from the retreat house, emphasized the transformative love of Jesus in her presentation, stating, “The beauty of Jesus Christ is found in the broken pieces of our stories.”

Katharine Hills, president of Pi Alpha Chi, along with sorority sisters, shared their faith journeys and experiences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, expressing gratitude for the support received from the LDCCW.

The symposium also featured interactive sessions like “Heart to Heart With Mary,” allowing participants to connect with one another on a deeper level and reflect on the topics discussed by the speakers.

The event provided a platform for women to come together, share their stories, and strengthen their faith, embodying the theme of “Magnifying Our Lord with Beauty and Truth.”

Courtesy photos were shared to capture the essence of the symposium and the engaging discussions that took place during the event.