The Catholic Women of the Diocese of Birmingham, along with the Bible Christian Society, sponsored a women's retreat at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on Sept. 29-30. About 250 women attended the retreat, and the feedback was tremendous.  

The retreat was led by Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Ilibagiza, along with seven other women, hid in a Hutu pastor’s cramped bathroom during the genocide for 91 terrifying days. While in hiding the eight women endured complete silence and near starvation. Ilibagiza weighed 115 pounds at the beginning of the 91 days, and only 65 pounds at the end. During the genocide, more than 1,000,000 of her fellow Tutsis were murdered, including most of Ilibagiza’s family.

She has touched so many lives with her story of survival and endurance, which can be read about in her book, Left to Tell. Her soft and sweet spirit is an inspiration to all whose lives she touches. 

Father Thomas Kelly, pastor of Our Lady of the Valley, celebrated Mass on Saturday morning for the retreatants, and Father Robert Cavalier heard confessions both days. Barbara Just of Christian Catering furnished the refreshments.