About

The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) in the United States was founded in 2020, driven by a desire to create a faith-based organization for Catholic women focused on service, charity, and loyalty. The movement began following a gathering in Washington, D.C. in 2019, where Zambian women attending Thanksgiving Mass came together in unity, symbolized by their coordinated attire of “praying hands Chitenges” and white shirts. This powerful display of solidarity and commitment to building the Kingdom of God sparked the vision to form a similar community in the USA.

In early 2020, Mrs. Anna Mhango, a commissioned CWL member from Lusaka, Zambia, visited her family in the U.S. It was during this visit that three women—Kangwa Gray, Lingisi Thompson, and Manena N’gambi—who had been inspired by the work of the League, began discussions on how to establish the organization in the U.S. They sought to understand the mission and responsibilities of the CWL, aligning themselves with its motto of “Charity, Work, and Loyalty.” Under Mrs. Mhango’s guidance, they formed the CWL-USA chapter, laying the foundation for the League’s mission in the United States.

The inaugural meeting of CWL-USA took place on October 20, 2020, with Mrs. Mhango serving as the first Formator. The group initially operated under the Roma Parish, Lusaka Branch, meeting bi-weekly to study, engage in spiritual activities, and complete their syllabus. Despite numerous challenges, they successfully finished their lessons in August 2021.

As time passed, the community grew, with new members joining and the League’s presence expanding. This milestone marks the beginning of a vibrant and active Catholic Women’s League in the U.S., which continues to grow and serve as a beacon of devotion to serve others and faith in God.