OUR LEADERSHIP

DIOCESAN TEAM

Fr. Wilson Andrade

Diocesan Spiritual Advisor

wandrade@hamiltondiocese.com

Fr. Wilson Andrade, CSC is a Religious Priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He was born and brought up in a religious family of nine children, in the southern part of India.

He joined Holy Cross at the age of 15 years, completed his initial formation in India, along with the missionary work in the North East of India. He was asked to come to Canada and completed his theological studies at Regis College under Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto.

In December, 2010, he was ordained and began his ministry at St. Ann, St. Joseph and Native Mission in Toronto. In 2014, he became the Pastor of St. Ann parish and Administrator of St. Joseph Parish and Native Peoples’ Mission. Along with the pastoral duties, he served as the Vocation Promoter for the Region of English Canada from 2012 to 2018. From 2015 to 2018, he served as the Zone Chair for the Downtown Central Region of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In 2018, he became the first National Director of the Holy Cross Family Ministries – Canada that helps to promote Family Rosary and the family ministry. He serves as the chair of Archdiocese of Toronto Vocation Directors Association and Board member of National Vocation and Formation Directors Association.

He enjoys his ministry of visiting the sick in the downtown hospitals and working in the food distribution at St. Ann Food Bank for the last 15 years. He has coordinated many youth activities including 2 international Youth Mission work of building houses in Jamaica and has helped to resettle in Canada 2 families from Syria. He has preached many retreats, and enjoys writing sermons that are published in the Faith Alive Series of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

He has an extensive collection of Stamps based on Bible and Nature. He is passionate about pastoral and liturgical work and has written 12 plays on the life of Saints and Bible, and 3 Novena prayer booklets. He has led 4 International Pilgrimages as he visited 21 countries.

The Canadian Government has honored him with a Community Service Award for his leadership, care and compassionate service to the poor in his community. He is also honored by the Native Elders in Toronto with the Feather, Shell and Shaker to continue the Healing ministry among the Indigenous people of Canada.

Father Wilson began his role as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Burlington, on August 1, 2022.

Laura Grint

Hamilton Diocesan President

laura.grint.cwl@gmail.com

Laura has been a member of the CWL for 44 years. She currently serves as the Vice President-Organization Chair. She has also served as Hamilton Diocesan First Vice President and Spiritual Development Chair, Diocesan Secretary, and Diocesan Community Life, and Diocesan Resolutions Chairwoman.

Laura has been married to Mark for 42 years and have three grown sons. She is also blessed with four grandchildren.

Laura was born and raised in Hamilton but has called Cambridge her home for the past 40 years.

Laura works for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board as an Educational Assistant and has served as an elected member of CUPE as President, Secretary, WSIB/Health & Safety Rep and a Trustee. She is an activist for Human Rights and Labour Rights.

Laura has extensive training in Financial Officer and Trustees training, Duty to Accommodate, Leadership Essentials, Conflict Resolution, Combating Workplace Bullying, Running Effective Meeting/Parliamentary Procedures, Compliance, Payroll, Banking, Records Management (including managing personnel files), Correspondence and Communications, Stakeholder Liaison and Management, Volunteer Coordination/Screening and Labor Studies.

Laura has experience in MS Word – Excel – Outlook – Power Point – Access – Project – and Internet Explorer.
Laura feels privileged to serve as a team member of the diocesan executive as Vice President and Organization Chair. She believes with God all things are possible., for when we answer the call “Here I am Lord” we move forward in JOY and we will Sparkle God’s Way.

May you all be a Beacon of Hope and Light to all you encounter.

In the footsteps of Mary.

Teresa DiFalco

Hamilton Diocesan Past-President

teresa.difalco.cwl@gmail.com

Teresa is honoured to serve as Hamilton Diocesan Past-President and as Ontario Provincial Secretary on the Ontario Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. She is especially delighted that the diocesan theme she introduced, “Sparkle God’s Way,” continues into the new term—a fitting reflection of her belief that each woman is called to use her God-given gifts in service to others.

A League member for more than 40 years, Teresa represents five generations of women in her family who have belonged to the CWL. She has served in numerous leadership roles at the parish, diocesan and provincial levels and was humbled to receive the Maple Leaf Service Pin. She is passionate about developing women as faith-filled servant leaders and has designed and facilitated presentations, workshops and retreats on servant leadership, governance, women in the Catholic Church and spiritual enrichment.

Teresa also serves on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation of Canada and is a graduate of the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program through Saint Paul University’s Institute for Transformative Leadership. Her studies include Catholic theology, liturgy, Marian dogma and Church doctrine. Her many years of Church ministry have included serving as a Director of Music and Liturgy, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, cantor/psalmist and lector.

Known for her resilience, faith and joyful servant leadership, Teresa encourages women to recognize their gifts, find their voices and become courageous advocates for God’s creation, human dignity, Christian values, social and environmental justice. Following her own experience with breast cancer and her daughter Amanda’s diagnosis just seven months later, Teresa has become a passionate advocate for women’s health and breast cancer awareness.

Her commitment to community service has been recognized with the Citizen of the Year Award from her local Chamber of Commerce and a Sesquicentennial Constituent Award from the House of Commons for outstanding community service. Her professional career includes many years as a senior executive with the Ontario Government at Queen’s Park, specializing in law, public policy, issues management and strategic planning. Today, she brings that experience to her work as a Governance Specialist, Strategist, Government Relations Professional, Keynote Speaker, and Retreat Facilitator.

Teresa lives in Stoney Creek with her childhood sweetheart and husband, Cal, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. They are blessed with their daughter Amanda, son-in-law Steve and granddaughter Vanessa. She treasures family and friends and enjoys gardening, design, entertaining, travel and music. An anointed vocalist and published songwriter, music remains an important expression of her faith and creativity.

Guided by 1 Peter 4:10 — “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” — Teresa strives to live her faith through service, leadership and compassion.

Her goal is simple: to leave a little sparkle wherever she goes — and always to “Sparkle God’s Way.”

Julia Calverley

Hamilton Diocesan Vice-President

Julia.calverley.cwl@gmail.com

Julia was born and raised in Guelph, with Italian and French heritage. She is the eldest daughter of Peter and Denise Brazolot and the second of nine children. Raised in the Catholic faith, her parents instilled in her a deep sense of devotion, which has shaped her life of service through the Catholic Women’s League, the church, and numerous charitable organizations.

While attending the University of Ottawa, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinanthropology, Julia met her future husband, Gary. She later completed her teaching degree at Western University, and they were married soon after. Gary converted to Catholicism, acknowledging that it would be a central part of their lives together. They have four children, two children-in-law, and identical twin granddaughters, all of whom are her pride and joy.

Throughout her career, Julia worked as a teacher, focusing on children learning English as a second language, students with special needs, young mothers pursuing their high school diplomas (TAPS), continuing education at Onward Willow, and in general supply teaching, including stints in the French department. When her father needed assistance in the family construction business, Julia returned to night school to study computer accounting. She worked in her father’s and later her brother’s construction businesses, handling receptionist and bookkeeping duties. Over the years, Julia has also served as a soccer coach, Beaver leader, children’s liturgy leader, and art appreciation instructor—always stepping in where needed.

Together with her husband, Julia served as a Eucharistic Minister and was actively involved in their parish, the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. They were both leaders in their respective organizations—Julia in the Catholic Women’s League and Gary in the Knights of Columbus. Within the League, Julia held various leadership roles, including Christian Family Life Chair, Treasurer, and President. She was later appointed Regional Secretary for Kitchener, which led to her election as Hamilton Diocesan Treasurer in 2017. In 2019, she was re-election as Diocesan, just a few month later her husband took ill and sadly passed away at Christmas (2019). Julia faced her own health challenges, which led to her having to step away from the Diocesan Executive team. Two years ago, she survived a complete liver transplant and is doing well. Recently, she rejoined the diocesan executive as the Kitchener Regional Chair.

Julia enjoys spending her time learning French, reading, and crafting. She has a passion for stained glass, card making, quilting and needlepoint, and jokes that there isn't a craft she isn't eager to try.

Bernadette Best

Hamilton Diocesan Secretary and Communications Chair

bernadette.best.cwl@gmail.com

Bio to come.

Kathryn Imperatore

Hamilton Diocesan Treasurer

kathryn.imperatore.cwl@gmail.com

Bio to come.

Mary D’Orazio

Hamilton Diocesan Service Chair

mary.dorazio.cwl@gmail.com

Mary D’Orazio is delighted to serve the Hamilton Diocesan Council as Diocesan Service Chair, bringing to the role a rich background of professional, parish, community, and League experience, together with a lifelong commitment to faith and service.

Mary and her family have been parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Hamilton since 1961, where she has remained actively involved in parish life. For several decades, she has also served as a dedicated member of the St. Anthony Feast Day Committee.

Professionally, Mary enjoyed a successful career with Bell Canada and later served the Diocese of Hamilton as a Parish Office Administrator, where her organizational abilities, professionalism, and dedication supported the life and ministry of the parish community.

A devoted member of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada for 22 years, Mary has generously shared her gifts in several leadership capacities, including serving as Parish President and Hamilton Regional Secretary on the Hamilton Diocesan Council. These roles have provided her with valuable experience and a deep appreciation for the League’s mission of faith, service, and sisterhood.

Mary’s commitment to serving others extends well beyond the League. Over the years, she has volunteered with Victim Services, Patient Partners, the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), and the Arthritis Society, and has served on a Resident and Family Council in a long-term care home. These experiences have strengthened her understanding of compassionate service, advocacy, and the importance of supporting individuals and families through all stages of life.

Mary and her husband, Paul, have been married for 51 years and are blessed with three married children and four precious granddaughters. Faith, family, and service have remained enduring foundations throughout her life.

As Hamilton Diocesan Service Chair, Mary looks forward to working alongside her CWL sisters to inspire compassionate service, strengthen parish and community life, and encourage members to put their faith into action in response to the needs of others.

Rose Kantiono

Hamilton Diocesan Social Justice Chair

rose.kantiono.cwl@gmail.com

Rose Kantiono is a faith-filled Catholic leader, educator, humanitarian, and community advocate. Born in Côte d’Ivoire with roots in Burkina Faso and having lived and studied in both countries, as well as in Germany before immigrating to Canada in 2003, she brings a rich global perspective to her work. Her journey reflects over 20 years of service in education, faith formation, social justice, and community development..

Since joining The Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 2017, Rose has served as Organization Chair, Vice-President, President, and Past President. She is deeply engaged in parish life as an RCIA sponsor, lector, choir member, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and faith formation leader. Through retreats, outreach ministry, and sharing reflections from her pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, Rome, Paris, and Jerusalem, she encourages others to deepen their faith and live out the Gospel in everyday life. Guided by a profound Catholic faith, Rose also serves as an international volunteer at the Marian Sanctuary of Lourdes in France, accompanying pilgrims through multilingual support, liturgical ministry, and pastoral care.

Professionally, Rose Kantiono is an accomplished educational leader with over 20 years of experience in education, beginning her career as a French Immersion teacher in Ontario’s Catholic and public school systems. She holds a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in German Studies. Currently serving as a Vice-Principal in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Rose’s commitment to social justice extends beyond education and parish ministry. In 2025, she co-founded the Kantiono Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to expanding access to quality education and opportunities for children and youth in Canada and in Africa.

An experienced community leader, Rose has served in leadership roles at the local, national, and international levels, advancing education, community development, and humanitarian initiatives. Her service includes leadership with ETFO, Canadian Samaritans for Africa, and the Association of the Burkinabè Community in Toronto where she supported education, youth empowerment, newcomer families, and community engagement. Fluent in English, French, German, Liélé, and Dioula, Rose is known for building meaningful connections across cultures, languages, and communities.

As Social Justice Chair, Rose is committed to empowering Catholic women to put faith into action through advocacy, education, outreach, and service. She hopes to strengthen partnerships, promote human dignity, and inspire meaningful responses to the social justice issues affecting communities.

REGIONAL TEAMS

Julie Gibson

Brant Regional Chair

julie.gibson.cwl@gmail.com

Julie Gibson is delighted to serve the Hamilton Diocesan Council as Brant Regional Chair, bringing with her a strong commitment to faith, parish life, community service and the Catholic Women’s League.

Julie joined St. Basil’s CWL in 2022 and quickly became actively involved in the life of her council, serving as President shortly thereafter. Her love of music and liturgy is reflected in her service as a member of the parish choir and as a Eucharistic Minister, including bringing the Eucharist to seniors living at Charlotte Villa.

Julie’s spirit of service extends well beyond her parish. Through a church craft group, she helps create handmade items that are donated to local shelters and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, combining creativity with compassionate outreach to those in need.

She also volunteers with the Brantford Poppy Project, generously sharing her knitting and crocheting skills while helping teach these traditional crafts to others.

Julie brings to her role as Brant Regional Chair a genuine love of faith, service and community. She looks forward to supporting and strengthening the councils of the Brant Region while fostering the faith, fellowship and sisterhood that are at the heart of the League.

Joanne Palmer

Hamilton Regional Chair

joanne.palmer.cwl@gmail.com

Joanne lives in Hamilton and has been a member of the Catholic Women’s League since 2012 and a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish [Our Lady of Lourdes] since 1990. She has been married to her husband Robert for 31 years and they have one daughter Ashley who is also a League member.

Besides spending time with her family, she volunteers and coaches for Special Olympics. Joanne got involved with Special Olympics because of her daughter. Ashley has been an athlete for the past 6 years.

She is also active in her parish by being a lector, minister of communion and baptismal preparation. If you were to ask people who know Joanne they would say she is a very caring and loving person. She is very passionate in all that she does and is willing to help whenever she can.

Joanne is very passionate in her job as an educational assistant for the Catholic School Board of Hamilton. When working with her students it gives her a warm feeling when she sees a smile on their faces in what they have accomplished either big or small. Joanne is looking forward to the next two years as she continues on the Hamilton Diocesan Catholic Women’s League.

Cheryl D’Souza

Hamilton Regional Secretary

cheryl.d.cwl@gmail.com

Bio to come.

Joanne Delaney-Fraser

Kitchener Regional Chair

joanne.delaneyfraser.cwl@gmail.com

Bio to come.

Christie deSouza

Kitchener Regional Secretary

christie.desouza.cwl@gmail.com

Bio to come.

OUR LEADERSHIP

DIOCESAN TEAM

Fr. Wilson Andrade

Diocesan Spiritual Advisor

Read More

Laura Grint

Hamilton Diocesan President

Read More

Teresa DiFalco

Hamilton Diocesan Past-President

Read More

Julia Calverley

Hamilton Diocesan Vice-President

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Bernadette Best

Hamilton Diocesan Secretary and Communications Chair

Kathryn Imperatore

Hamilton Diocesan Treasurer

Mary D’Orazio

Hamilton Diocesan Service Chair

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Rose Kantiono

Hamilton Diocesan Social Justice Chair

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REGIONAL TEAMS

Julie Gibson

Brant Regional Chair

Read More

Joanne Palmer

Hamilton Regional Chair

Read More

Cheryl D’Souza

Hamilton Regional Secretary

Joanne Delaney-Fraser

Kitchener Regional Chair

Christie deSouza

Kitchener Regional Secretary