Members of Magnificat planning the anniversary celebration are Liz McCormick (left to right), corresponding secretary; Cindy Watson, assistant coordinator; Evelyn Morcelle, coordinator; Judy Swain, recording secretary; MaryKay Schaub, historian; and Christine Holden, treasurer.

On Dec. 10, 2016, nearly 300 guests celebrated the 20th anniversary of Magnificat's Gentle Woman, Mother of Mercy Chapter in the Diocese of Buffalo. Attendees shared a morning of prayer, testimony and fellowship at the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga. Father Jacek Mazur, pastor of Divine Mercy and St. Mary of the Cataract parishes in Niagara Falls, was the honored speaker, who urged guests to become "on fire" for their faith within their communities.

Magnificat, a ministry to Catholic women, was founded in New Orleans in 1981, when a charismatic prayer group of Catholic women experienced a profound outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The group became convinced that they could inspire and support their sisters in Christ in their faith by sharing a meal, followed by prayer and the personal witness of an individual whose life was changed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Since then, Magnificat has continued to grow across the United States and internationally.

Magnificat came to Buffalo in December of 1996. Through God's goodness and Our Blessed Lady's intercession, the Buffalo chapter has been blessed by powerful testimonies, dedicated prayer warriors, awesome praise, and faithful support of attending guests for these 20 years. Meals are scheduled quarterly, and are open to all. You do not have to be a member in order to attend.

A special Magnificat event will take place on March 11. The guest speaker will be Robert Rogers, founder of "Mighty in the Land Ministry," who experienced unthinkable tragedy when his young family was lost in a flash flood in 2003. He will speak about trusting in God's amazing grace to lead us through the most difficult times. The breakfast will be held at the Millennium Hotel at 2040 Walden Ave. in Cheektowaga.

For more information, visit www.magnificatbuffalo.org or call Ellie at 716-632-0646.