Beloved & Chosen: Reflections on the Women’s Retreat
BY MATILDA PUGH, MIA PALITTO & BRANDI STACKELBECK
This half-day retreat centered on understanding our identity as beloved daughters of God and learning to live that identity with confidence.
Led by Brenna Videl, the day included Mass, small group discussions, and prayerful reflection—helping women deepen their faith while fostering authentic friendships that go beyond the surface. Nearly 70 women gathered to explore the beauty of their unique identity and the essence of the feminine genius. The following are reflections and insights from women who attended.
The Feminine Genius: Gifts That Shape the World
Saint John Paul II’s concept of the Feminine Genius speaks to the unique gifts of women: receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity. These are not just admirable qualities, but powerful ways of being that shape the world in quiet yet transformative ways.
As I looked around the room, I saw these gifts lived out in countless ways: in the way women listen with open hearts, love without reservation, and give of themselves in ways that often go unnoticed. Receptivity is found in the friend who makes space for another’s burdens, sensitivity in a mother who anticipates her child’s needs before a word is spoken, and generosity in the woman who offers her time and presence without expecting anything in return. And then there is maternity—not just in the physical sense but in the way women nurture, guide, and strengthen those around them.
As I reflected on these virtues, I recognized that some come more naturally to me than others. I felt particularly called to grow in generosity—not just giving when it is easy or expected, but giving with a heart that is open and ready, like Mary at Cana, trusting in the abundance of God’s grace. It is easy to hold back, to give only what feels safe. But true generosity requires a willingness to pour oneself out, even when the outcome is unseen.
This call to generosity ties into a deeper truth: all women are mothers—some in body, but all in soul. Motherhood is more than physical birth; it is the ability to bring life to the world through love, sacrifice, and care. I sense the Holy Spirit calling me into a deeper form of motherhood—not necessarily one marked by biological children, but one that nurtures, protects, and encourages others. Whether through small acts of kindness, words of affirmation, or simply being present for someone in need, I am learning that spiritual motherhood is just as real, just as necessary, as any other form of love.
–Matilda Pugh
Trust and the Woman at the Well: Christ’s Pursuit of Our Hearts
This deep sense of purpose is echoed in the lives of Mary and the woman at the well—both of whom remind us of a profound truth: Christ is always pursuing us. He sees us as we are and calls us into something greater.
As a young adult, this call feels both exhilarating and daunting. It is an invitation to trust, to surrender, and to step forward in faith—even when the path is unclear. There is a tension between longing to know what comes next and learning to rest in the truth that God has already chosen me for something beautiful. The challenge is not in finding my calling but in trusting that He will reveal it in His perfect time.
–Mia Palitto
Beloved, Chosen, & Called
At the core of everything is identity: I am beloved, chosen, and called. This is not just a comforting thought—it is a truth meant to shape the way I live. And yet, how easy it is to forget. The noise of the world, the lies of inadequacy, and the fear of failure often pull me away from the fullness of this reality. But God’s invitation remains: to step into my identity with confidence, to trust that being beloved is enough, that being chosen is a gift, and that being called is an adventure I am not meant to walk alone. This retreat was more than just a day of reflection—it was a reminder of who I am and who I am called to be.
–Brandi Stackelbeck
Conclusion
This retreat was a journey of renewal and restoration, echoing the transformative power of the Resurrection. Just as Christ’s victory over death brought forth new life, the day rekindled womens’ spirits, deepened our faith and strengthened our bonds as sisters in Christ. Embracing our identity as beloved daughters of God, we are now called to carry this revival into our daily lives, nurturing the seeds planted within us and living from our identity as daughters of Christ.
–Your Sisterhood Leadership Team
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