In the year 2000, as a Millennium Project, the diocesan executive initiated the Woman of the Year Award. This award is named to honour Frances Lovering, a member of the first executive of Catholic Women's League of Canada, and our first diocesan president.

Nomination forms are distributed each year in the Spring Regional envelopes and completed forms returned to the Diocesan President by the first of May. A review committee then examines each nomination to determine a winner.

There are no formal criteria for this nomination. The nominee is to be a member who demonstrates the objectives of the League in her service to the League, her parish, and the community. Local council executive are invited to take a good look at the women in their council and nominate one member for this special distinction.

There are many reasons for choosing a nominee. Executive may wish to honour a member who has worked tirelessly on a special task or project or someone who has been an example of faith and service to other members. Diocesan executive members are not eligible for this award while they are in office.

All nominees are acknowledged for their nomination at the closing banquet at our annual convention, and presented with a Certificate of Congratulations. The award recipient is presented with a personal award plaque.

The award recipient also receives the commemorative plaque listing all previous award recipients. It is kept in her parish for the next year.

Past Recipients

OBITUARY:  Frances Lovering:  Much Esteemed Hamilton Lady
Click here to read the life and times of Frances Lovering. Much of this information has been taken from the Hamilton Herald dated March 27, 1926.