17th annual Day of Reflection for Women held May 7 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.
by The Office of Religious Education, Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy
of Pittsburgh
Sixty-seven women gathered at the Byzantine Catholic Cathedral Center of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. May 7 to pray together and reflect on the qualities needed to remain spiritually and physically healthy.
Mindful of the war in Ukraine, the entire set-up for the day included the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine and sunflowers. The day opened with a prayer service for the women and children of Ukraine.
Our first presenter was Dr. Regina Poletunow Boerio, Ph.D, a Professor of Psychology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.
Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression and women’s issues. She gave specific examples on how we can show compassion to others and grow in self-compassion. Regina’s excellent Power Point presentation included a few scenes of the plight of women and children in Ukraine and the outpouring of compassionate assistance to this war-torn country.
The second presentation was given by Andrea Wedner. She is truly a “Woman of Valor” (Proverbs 31:10). This is the opening line from the poem honoring a righteous woman in Proverbs. It is sung every week on Friday night at the Sabbath meal and read at the funeral of a Jewish woman.
On Oct. 27, 2018 during morning service at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa. Andrea was seriously wounded in a vicious attack on the Jewish community. Her 97-year-old mother, Rose Mallinger was killed along with 10 other worshipers.
In the midst of tragedy and grief, she finds support and healing in her family, friends and community. She told her story with courage, dignity and grace. Her inner resiliency and ability to heal from the hurt was a gift to all present.
Our final presenter was Alissa West. Alissa graduated from Elizabethtown College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. For over ten years, she provided services for individuals of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities at Matheny Medical and Educational Center in New Jersey and Arts & Services, Inc. in Los Angeles, Calif.
Her presentation was interactive and fun. A perfect ending to a great day!
Maria Silvestri (right) introduces Alissa West at the 17th annual Day of Reflection for Women, held May 7 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Alissa, a 2004 graduate of Elizabethtown College, has provided services for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities at Matheny Medical and Educational Center in New Jersey and Arts & Services, Inc. in Los Angeles, Calif.
