September 29, 2026

Women’s Day of Reflection to be held Oct. 3

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD —  Registration is still open for the Women’s Day of Reflection, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Springfield. The event, entitled, “Everlasting,” will feature talks by Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist John Mary Sullivan and Conventual Franciscan Father Brad Milunski, the pastor of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee.

“We are thrilled to bring back the women’s conference in a different format – as an interactive ‘Diocesan Women’s Day.’ This is our new take on the Women’s Conference and look forward to welcoming the women of the diocese for this special day to celebrate 800 years of St. Francis of Assisi,” said Joe Austin, the director of the Office of Missionary Discipleship.

Pope Leo XIV declared 2026 a Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order who was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy. St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day is October 4.

“My talk is on everlasting joy. I want to look at how St. Francis characterized joy and what that means for our spiritual life, because I don’t think it’s what people expect and that’s the surprise, the radical thinking of St. Francis and even Gospel craziness, you might say,” said Father Milunski.

“Even joy in the difficult times. Joy is an abiding sense that a Christian has, an abiding joy despite anything that is happening,” he said.

In addition to the inspiring talks, the day will offer an opportunity for fellowship, confession, Adoration and Mass celebrated by Bishop William D. Byrne.

The day, which costs $25, will include a hot lunch buffet, vendors and much more.

To register, find a paper registration form at your local parish or the diocesan offices downtown during business hours or go to westernmasscatholic.regfox.com/womensday.