Community Rallies for MacKillop House

Sonia di Mezza (guest speaker) with Cheryl Hamill (MC for the evening)

One hundred and fifty people gathered at the third annual Catholic Women’s Dinner for an inspiring evening of dining, community spirit, and generosity on 1 November. Organized by the Catholic Women’s Taskforce, the event celebrated the contributions of women to the Church and society while raising vital support for MacKillop House, managed by Marymead CatholicCare and providing a place of safety for women and children.

The evening’s guest speaker, Sonia Di Mezza, a Catholic woman of Italian heritage, is a distinguished human rights lawyer and the CEO of Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services in Canberra. Sonia’s presentation highlighted her global humanitarian work, from supporting asylum seekers in Australian detention centres to establishing a legal aid project in Sudan, working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon, advocating for Afghan widows in Pakistan, and defending child labour rights in India. Her talk was enriched with personal photographs that vividly portrayed the individuals and challenges she encountered.

Sonia shared how her Catholic heritage, rooted in ritual, theology, and discipline, instilled a deep respect for other faiths, inspiring her to fast with Muslim colleagues during Ramadan in Pakistan and to participate in religious traditions wherever she has lived. She urged attendees to centre their lives on God, whom she has experienced as her advisor, protector, and guide, motivating her commitment to live with purpose and authenticity.

Archbishop Prowse praised Sonia’s dedication, describing her as “more than a Catholic” in her openness to collaborate across faiths. He called her “a natural gatherer, not a scatterer,” commending her ability to foster unity and work for justice.

Adding a touch of fun, Sonia interspersed her talk with quiz questions, awarding Catholic-themed mementoes to those who answered correctly. Her engaging presentation captivated the entire audience.

Among the attendees were Marymead CatholicCare staff members and their CEO Anne Kirwan, who earlier emphasized the crucial work of MacKillop House and the pressing need to address the housing crisis. Many of Canberra’s Catholic Colleges attended, with staff and student leaders filling several tables. Sonia was also supported by members of the Wesley Uniting Church, where she currently worships.

Generous donations from Supabarn, Jindii Eco Spa, and Clonakilla Winery contributed to a successful raffle, raising over $2,000. The Taskforce proudly presented Marymead CatholicCare with $5,000 from fundraising efforts throughout 2024.

Bronnie Schlager, who travelled from Braidwood with friends, remarked, “We enjoyed it very much. I found the guest speaker refreshingly realistic and forthright. This can only inspire the young people listening to consider similar paths.”

Looking ahead, the Women’s Taskforce shared a draft plan for 2025, which includes events like the International Women’s Day Breakfast, the Catholic Women’s Dinner, and reflective workshops on the Spirituality of Motherhood and Discernment.

• The Taskforce welcomes new members. For more information, contact Andrea Dean at cgwomen@outlook.com or visit http://www.cgwomen.org.au.