Annamaria Matsui

Communiques:

I was born in Hamilton ON however I was raised in Laval QC. It was in Laval that I learned about the CWL. As a young girl I helped my mother at her CWL activities such as the annual Social Tea, Rummage Sale etc. The Mary Magdeleine Council was small but a vibrant part of our community. I could hardly wait to be old enough to become a member. My mother presented me with my first membership on my 16th birthday. I didn’t attend many meetings but I was there for the many retreats, pilgrimages, & other activities offered by the League. When I moved to Calgary, my parish did not have a CWL, I retained my membership at my hometown parish. This year I was presented with my 40 year pin.

I am married with 2 daughters in University. My daughters also received CWL memberships on their 16th birthdays and both girls (20 & 22) continue to be members. They help out at CWL events whenever work & classes allow for it. My family, as do all CWL family, always know to ask before diving into the baked goods on the kitchen counter.

I’m a lifelong learner who has never really left school. I’m always taking a course or 2 at the University however I’m taking a 2 year sabbatical during my term as president. I also have a career outside the home, in communications.

In our spare time, my husband & I do ballroom dance. It is our time to celebrate "us". We also golf & roller blade. My Great Pyrenees also keeps me in shape with walking and she is always there to welcome our busy family when we enter our home.

I’ve often been asked why I belong to the CWL and by the time I’m finished answering, I’ve brought in a new member. The League is my spiritual guide and my family of many sisters of all ages. The League opens my eyes to injustices around me and enables me to take action. The League teaches me compassion to my fellow human beings and encourages me to protect the environment. Last year I received my 40 year membership pin. During the times that I was ill and needed prayer and friendship, it was my Sisters in the League who were there. A person couldn’t ask more of an organization.