Trailblazing at 90: Eileen Hogg recognized for lifelong commitment to Catholic Women’s League
Eileen Hogg (second from right) with members of the Wollongong branch of CWL
A Canberra woman has been honoured as a “beacon of unwavering commitment to her community” at a state luncheon in Sydney this month. Eileen Hogg was awarded the Jean Arnot 2024 Recognition Award at Parliament House on Monday, 12 August, for her service to the Catholic Women’s League.
Presented by the National Council of Women, together with Business and Professional Women Sydney, the awards “recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of twenty-three extraordinary women aged 90 and over.”
Eileen was nominated by the Diocese of Wollongong Catholic Women’s League.
“When the Canberra group, which I joined in 1978, had to close, the ladies at Wollongong welcomed us into their group, and they have bent over backwards to make me feel welcome,” she said.
“They have been wonderful, absolutely wonderful, and it has enabled me to continue on and enjoy being a member of the League. That’s why I joined in the first place – to pray and have friends to share our faith and lives.”
Eileen said the camaraderie of religion and enjoying it together had been a central part of her life.
Eileen Hogg and Minister Jodie Harrison
“What’s important is the love of Jesus that we all share, and it is so open among all of us,” she said.
“We do lots of good things, including supporting the Missionaries of God’s love, raising money for St Vincent de Paul, and mentoring young women who want to live their Catholic lives.”
Eileen lives in Calvary Haydon retirement village with her husband Mick and has three children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“And counting!” she laughed.
“I reared my children, started a successful business (Project Lighting) with my husband and concentrated on being a mentor of the CWL and having time to do what was necessary.”
Over the years, Eileen served as president, secretary, and treasurer of the Canberra CWL. She attended many International World Union of Catholic Women ‘s Organisation Conferences around the globe and was on the National Executive as Publicity Officer when it was ACT Canberra Goulburn’s turn to hold the National Office.
“I enjoy the friendship of other Catholic ladies who hold the same Ethos and like-minded aspirations to please God,” she said.
“It was wonderful to walk into the luncheon last week and see it all looking so beautiful.”