On Saturday, January 13, 2024, the New York Lumen Institute sponsored a champagne tea in New York City for young women and their mothers.  47 women attended, including 17 moms and 27 daughters (ranging in age from 21-33). Mary Smith and Luly Fernandez, consecrated women of RC, were among the guests who shared a meditation as well as what it means to be a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi.

The featured speaker for the event was Lela Heick born and raised in California, currently residing in Ashburn Virginia with her husband and 5 children. Lela is a member of Regnum Christi and works for Walking With Purpose Bible Study as a mentor for parish-based programs as well as serving as the ministry’s financial analyst.

Mrs. Heick shared her powerful testimony of conversion which included her compelling journey of growing up in LA raised by her mother, dabbling in the circles of Hollywood, experimenting down a path of perils, traveling the world with her grandfather, and finally finding what she longed for in her mid-twenties, within her true identity as a daughter of God. The Holy Spirit led her to the Catholic faith through other women who touched her heart as she was searching.

After the tea, the moms and daughters went to mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon event was well received by all the young women, praise God!  The mission of promoting a community of faith among young professional women working in NYC continues to grow through Lumen’s Young Women’s Ministry and much prayer.