Written by This year we have three delegates attending the WUCWO European Regional Meeting , Budapest, 13-16 November 2025, on behalf of the NBCW. Sophie Rudge, Helen Burgess and Margaret Clark will all be reporting back on the latest developments of the on the theme of “the family, the hope of humanity”.
The aim of the conference is to embark with renewed conviction on the joyful journey of family love, motherhood and fatherhood:
- The value of family, motherhood and fatherhood as a path to holiness
- How to accompany women who are not in an ideal family situation
- The situation and reality of the family in Europe today
- Successful Hungarian family policy
- Best practices on the subject in other European countries
Thursday 13th November:
Sophie and Margaret arrived safely in misty, freezing cold weather. They had an initial meeting with the Catholic Women’s League which went very well and promising development. There was a conference welcome dinner with an opportunity to gather and meet those attending the conference.
Site seeing in Budapest as we prepare for the WUCWO European Conference
Friday 15th November
An interesting day starting with prayers led by the president of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops Conference. We then had a number of welcome introductions including Borbála Csehné Vadnai, host and WUCWO Vice President for the European Rehion; Kinga Fekésházy, host organisation president of KALÁSZ and Monica Santamarina, WUCWO President General.
This was followed by a session: Marriage and family, difficulties, challenges and opportunities. A thought provoking traditional model of family life and marriage presented which caused enormous conversation and debate in later discussion groups. This was then followed by a session: Family and work balance for Catholic women; The challenges that women face in todays society. How do our communities address and embrace womens diverse personal situation?
This was delivered by Maria Francisca Sanchez from the Spanish Bishops conference with a special responsibility for migrants and human trafficking. She spoke about womens outreach work to the most vulnerable and marginalised women in Spain led by 4 religious organisations. The afternoon allowed for listening and debate on the morning sessions followed by feedback.
The evening included social networking and a river cruise on the Danube.
Saturday 15th November
The day started with an excellent overview communicating changes in WUCWO and it’s marketing led by the President General Mónica Santamarina. This was followed by an introduction from all 17 organisations participating. A real range of voices represented with liberal and conservative perspectives.
We then had a time of conversation and envisioning with the UK group. Thoughts spoken about the theme of the conference family love, motherhood and fatherhood. Definitions of family explored, idealism challenged whilst empathetic and sensitive listening experienced. Ideas for future initiatives shared.
The afternoon included some sightseeing and then the conference Mass in a beautiful chapel. The day was punctuated by rich and diverse conversations. Often the time spent with each other was illuminating and inspired. These were worthwhile moments and a real highlight of being here. Dinner included time spent with Monica the President General which was fascinating and encouraging.
