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The Ladies of Charity of the Catholic Charities of the archdiocese unveiled a new logo at their annual meeting May 11 in Manhattan. It bears the motto that summarizes their mission: “Ladies of Charity…Making a Difference!”
Cardinal Dolan attended the event, held at The Manhattan Club at Rosie O’Grady’s, and thanked the members for what they do. “God bless you, and keep up the good work,” he said. “We need you now more than ever.”
Nancy C. Waters, president of the Ladies of Charity, welcomed the members and presented a report on the organization’s activities. She emphasized plans to expand membership. “We will be recruiting,” she promised.
Honored at the luncheon were five women who have belonged to the Ladies of Charity for 50 or more years. Three were present: Beatrice Castiglia-Catullo, Kathleen Klein and Elizabeth Hayes.
Cardinal Dolan gave each of them a certificate of enrollment in the St. Louise de Marillac Society, indicating 50 or more years of service. St. Louise de Marillac was the co-founder, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Ladies of Charity.
Two honorees, Lila Ciciola and Mary McCooey, were unable to attend.
Mrs. Klein, known as Kay, has volunteered for 40 years as art director for the Ladies of Charity. She designed the group’s new logo, as well as many brochures, reports and other items. She has served twice on the Ladies of Charity board of directors as vice president. She has volunteered at her parish, Resurrection in Rye, and at the former St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan.
The new logo was designed some years ago, but Ms. Waters told CNY that the Ladies of Charity adopted it because it captures the group’s mission so well. It consists of concentric circles with a cross in the center, flanked by flowers and encircled by the words “Ladies of Charity.” Below is the motto “Ladies of Charity…Making a Difference!”
Cardinal Dolan offered grace. In his remarks he told the Ladies of Charity that they take their work seriously as “a sacred responsibility given us by Jesus himself, to love those and help those who are in need.”
Ms. Waters, in her report, praised her board members for their hard work, including Maria Tucci, who stepped up to lead the organization’s layette services when the previous leader became ill.
The program included the crowning of a statue of the Blessed Mother with a wreath of pink carnations, made by member Marietta Valdez-Javier. Cardinal Dolan joined in the ceremony and led in the spirited singing of the hymn “Bring Flowers of the Fairest.”
Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities of the archdiocese, attended the luncheon and delivered the benediction.
