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BREVARD — Several years ago the idea of bringing Christian women of all denominations together to share a day of prayer, praise and fellowship was realized when the first Day of Reflection was held at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard.

Over the past six years the program has grown, and this year more than 220 women from 24 different Christian churches in Transylvania County and surrounding areas attended the March 10 event. The topic was "Finding Hope in Today's World."

The day began with registration and coffee at 8 a.m. followed by introductions and a parade of candles representing all the participating churches.

Music was performed by Rita Bright and the women of First Baptist Church of Brevard, and included such classics as "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."

Pictured: Dr. Maria Moore shared stories of inspiration with the ladies who attended the sixth-annual Christian Women's Day of Reflection held recently at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard. (Photo provided by Linda Stadnick)

The speaker this year was Dr. Maria Moore, who had previously practiced oncology in nearly Hendersonville until 2009 when she closed her practice to devote more time to her missionary work in both Central America and Africa.

Moore works closely with House of Hope in Nicaragua, which rescues young girls and women from sex trafficking and provides them shelter and the opportunity to build new lives. She also works with the Christian Medical and Dental Association teaching doctors and seeing patients in Cameroon.

Also during the day, attendees divided up into small group sessions where the women shared their own stories of hope and faith with each other.

Testimonials were given in the afternoon by a number of women who had survived cancer, domestic violence, homelessness or abortion, and by God's grace had been given second chances at life.

The women of Sacred Heart Ladies Guild have each year invested a great deal of time and energy to bring women of all denominations together to worship in an effort to embrace the unity of Christianity and promote the concept of one God, one Savior for us all. This program has promoted fellowship throughout the area in more ways than one.

The Day of Reflection has also been supported by Sacred Heart's pastor, Father Carl T. Del Giudice, as well as the Knights of Columbus, who help with the luncheon. Through working together, Sacred Heart parishioners have been able to foster an atmosphere of togetherness throughout Transylvania County.

— Debbie Felker, special to the Catholic News Herald. Felker is the president of the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild.