THE
P RTAL
October 2017
Page 3
P ortal Comment
Catholic Women
of the Year
Will Burton tells the story of how the Co-Editor of T he P ortal has
been chosen as one of the four Catholic Women of the Year
I t is
wonderful news: Jackie Ottaway , Co-Editor of T he P ortal has been chosen as one of
the four Catholic Women of the Year. We at T he P ortal are so proud of her, and we suspect that this
will be the view throughout the
Ordinariate.
The official citation states that
Jackie Ottaway helped to launch
the magazine and at the start
helped to fund it from her own
limited resources. Her work for
the Ordinariate also includes
helping to run pilgrimages and
the annual festival, as well as
assisting with administration
of its finances. She maintains
ecumenical links and since
becoming a Catholic with the
Ordinariate in 2011, continues
assisting her former Anglican
parish as its treasurer.
The other three women chosen this year are: Sister
Mary Kenefick, parish sister at St Patrick’s, Soho,
and chaplain to students at University College, London
and Brunel University. She is a former headmistress
and has worked in chaplaincy with the British Army
in Germany and at Heathrow Airport. Fr Stephen
Wang, senior University Chaplain for the diocese
of Westminster, nominated her saying, “She brings
warmth, joy, professionalism and a deep faith to her
relationships, reaching out to those unconnected with
the Church and tirelessly supporting the Catholic
students so they can be a confident and loving presence
among their peers.”
that a new wave of enthusiasm is
gathering pace among Catholics,
with a message of hope for the
New Evangelisation.
Kathy Kelly, who for
over 25 years ran the Padre
Pio Bookshop near London’s
Victoria Station. She launched
a prayer group, meeting daily
at 3pm for Divine Mercy
devotions and the Rosary,
and through friendship and
kindness helped many who
were lonely or experiencing
difficulties. Her welcome and openness meant that
people who had strayed from the Church or were
confused in their faith found a new direction. Prayer
groups will now continue at two nearby parishes, a
legacy of Kathy’s devotion.
The Catholic Women of the Year are chosen annually
by secret ballot by a committee drawn from the main
Catholic women’s organisations in England and Wales,
from nominations sent in from across the country.
The 2017 Catholic Women of the Year Luncheon, at
which the awards will be presented, will take place on
Friday November 3rd at the Amba Hotel, Marble Arch.
Tickets are £47 each and obtainable from Catholic
Antonia Moffat, whose campaigning to promote Women of the Year Lunch, 8 Duloe Road, St Neots
devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham resulted in the PE19 8FQ. Cheques should be payable to Catholic
establishment of a shrine in Westminster Cathedral. Women of the Year Lunch.
Antonia now works for the National Shrine at
If you are able, do book your place and come along.
Walsingham and travels to different parishes and
groups to teach the message of reviving the faith It is not a private affair. The hotel can cope with lots
through devotion to Our Lady under this ancient title. and lots of people. The poster contains information on
Her dedication and commitment have helped to ensure how to book.