by Joann Roa

DOUGLASTON — In a world where people spend much of their time looking down at electronic devices, more than 200 women gathered to do something different: Look up. 

That was the invitation at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Women’s Conference, held October 17 at the Immaculate Conception Center.  

Inspired by John 4:35, the theme, “Look Up! / ¡Alzad la Mirada!” encouraged women to lift their eyes toward Christ, recognize his presence in others, and embrace their call to missionary discipleship. 

The day began with praying the Rosary, followed by Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Neil Tiedemann. In his homily, Bishop Tiedemann reflected on St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr, whose memorial the Church celebrated that day. The Mass provided a prayerful beginning to a day of spiritual renewal and fellowship. 

Keynote speaker Holly Wright, director of Casa Guadalupe, a house for women discerning religious life, challenged participants to “Look Up to the Gaze That Saves.” 

“How often we live looking down … at our phones, at our failures, at the ground in shame,” Wright reflected, reminding the women in attendance that Christ’s loving gaze restores dignity, hope, and purpose. 

Throughout the conference, participants journeyed through Scripture, encountering biblical figures whose lives were transformed by looking toward God’s promises. The presentations revealed how looking up in faith opens hearts to God’s grace. 

The bilingual conference featured presentations in English and Spanish, inviting women to look toward Christ, examine their hearts, recognize others through his eyes, and go forth in mission, following the example of the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus at the well. 

Spanish-language presenter Maria Valdez invited participants to “Look Within,” allowing the loving gaze of God the Father to penetrate their hearts, bring healing, and restore their confidence as beloved daughters of God. 

Ana Puente, special assistant to the vicar general in the diocese, encouraged women to embrace moments of silence, creating space to hear God’s voice speaking within their hearts. 

The conference was marked by tears, laughter, friendship, and profound moments of prayer. For many, it offered an opportunity to encounter Christ personally while discovering a deeper sense of sisterhood. 

When one participant was overcome with emotion, I reassured her, saying, “You are the reason why we do this.” 

Participants from the diocese’s Holy Spirit Institute for Service and Leadership volunteered throughout the day, extending hospitality and serving their sisters in Christ with generosity and joy. 

The gathering concluded with a Holy Hour, inviting women to carry their renewed faith into their families, parishes, and communities. 

The next Diocesan Women’s Conference is scheduled for October 16, 2027, continuing the invitation for women across Brooklyn and Queens to grow together in faith, fellowship, and mission. 

Joann Roa is the director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Brooklyn.