Faith Helps Family Survive

The monthly meeting of Council of Catholic Women (CCW) was held on January 11th, 2024 at the San Marco Catholic Church Parish Hall. The meeting was well attended, with over 80 seats filled. All were inspired to come listen to the featured speaker, Mary Beth Klee, who has earned a PhD. in History and is the author of the novel Leonore’s Suite. This historical fiction book tells the story of Klee’s Mother, who was one of over 4,000 American citizens who spent 37 months at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, Philippines, from January 1942 through February 1945. Her Mother, Grandmother and Aunt became part of the largest enemy internment of American civilians in US history. Only 13 ½ years old when captured, Leonore remained imprisoned until February 1945, when as a 17-year-old young woman, was freed by the US military. Dr. Klee described the atrocities that her mother faced, from disease and starvation to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. She shared some horrifying facts citing that 50 men or women would be forced to sleep in one room with 150 people sharing one toilet. Klee did an outstanding job of weaving bits of the story into her historical presentation while creating a prayerful atmosphere for those in attendance. Describing the way that her mother, and others being held captive, utilized religion to sustain faith and hope was inspirational to all. Those imprisoned were of many different religious faiths, and they relied on these faiths to help them survive horrible neglect and traumatic scenes. 

This book is available for purchase on Amazon and at San Marco Catholic Church CCW Gift Shop. You can also visit the website, www.leonoressuite.com to purchase the book.

The CCW charity of the month was Our Daily Bread and almost $400 was raised during the January monthly meeting. If interested in attending future events please see the bulletin at 

sanmarcochurch.org or for more information, please contact Jean Gabrys, CCW President at 414-828-4409 or jclaireg@icloud.com.