The Service Team of Mary, Woman of Faith, Chapter of Magnificat is delighted to invite the women of the diocese to its Magnificat Breakfast on Saturday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Elias Maronite Church Parish Hall, 836 8th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205.  

The speaker, Dr. LeNá P. McDonald, is a native of Birmingham and was raised by a strong Catholic family who is very active in the diocese. She attended Catholic schools and graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School. McDonald has earned several degrees, including a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Alabama. She and her husband, Lyndell, are members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield where she has served as lector since she was five years old. As a teenager, she also served as a musician, dancer, and altar server.  

McDonald feels she is an example of how God works and how faith can influence seemingly insurmountable odds. Her church family came together through the Legion of Mary and prayed when both McDonald and her own daughter were born prematurely. McDonald believes she and her family are living examples of God’s protection.

McDonald currently serves as Associate Commissioner for Academic Relations for the Southeastern Conference. As a mother and a wife with a fast paced and highly visible position, McDonald’s goal is to show others how her faith equips her with the tools necessary to prioritize her roles. McDonald says, “God means for us as women to thrive and succeed so that we can lead, nurture, and provide for those we love and those around us. I hope that my story will help illustrate the beauty of God’s plans for us as Catholic women.” 

Tickets for the May 17 Magnificat Breakfast are on sale through May 11. A meal ticket is $20 and includes a catered breakfast. Tickets are available online at BirminghamMagnificat.org or by e-mail at magnificat0296@gmail.com. If purchasing a ticket by regular mail, please send a check payable to Magnificat to: Magnificat Tickets, 2744 Aspen Lake Road, Helena, AL 35022 by May 7. Tickets are also available at Alpha Church Supply and Gifts and Holy Roses Flowers and Gifts.  Tickets for priests, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters are complimentary, but reservations are still required. No tickets will be sold after May 11 or at the door. Please call or text Lucy at 205-529-0259 if you have ticket questions or would like additional information.