The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) held its European Regional Conference in Budapest from 13 to 16 November, bringing together 63 women from eleven European countries to share experiences, reflect, and strengthen bonds of fraternity. The meeting, titled “The Family, the Hope of Humanity”, was organised by KALÁSZ – the Catholic Women’s Association of Hungary, with the support of WUCWO’s President General, Mónica Santamarina.
The conference opened with a prayer and blessing from Bishop János Székely , President of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who underlined the value of the family. Afterwards, the Vice President for the European Region, Borbála Csehné Vadnai, welcomed the participants, presenting the “Family Meal” campaign, which encourages families to share at least one weekly meal without digital devices. In addition, Kinga Fekésházy, President of KALÁSZ, presented the organisation and its representation in the WUCWO Board.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mónica Santamarina also offered an inspiring message: “Every family is a small domestic Church, a living Gospel written with love. Evangelisation begins by listening and by supporting the most vulnerable families,” she recalled, highlighting the importance of accompanying single-parent families and of priests being familiar with the complex realities many families face.
The programme combined training sessions and testimonies on the situation of families, the support of vulnerable women, migration, and human trafficking. Speakers included Permanent Deacon Zoltán Kunszabó and his wife Panni, who shared their experience on marriage, and María Francisca Sánchez, an expert in accompanying migrant and at-risk women, who emphasised the importance of patience, attentive listening, and recognising Christ’s presence in these women.
Participants worked in groups to share experiences, draw insights, and define concrete action plans that will be compiled into a strategic document. The conference also included a city tour of Budapest, offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy its historical and cultural beauty—a moment of fellowship and joy that strengthened the community spirit.
The spiritual closing took place at the Jáki Chapel, with the celebration of Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Zsolt Marton , during which participants gave thanks to God for the fruits of the gathering. The liturgy featured music by the Holy Spirit Choir.
WUCWO’s European Regional Conference in Budapest concluded as a space of fraternity, formation, and hope, reminding all participants that the family remains the hope of humanity and that unity, faith, and shared commitment strengthen service to society and evangelisation.
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