We welcome you to the webpage of Christ Our Light Chapter of Magnificat in West Palm Beach, Floria. These are exciting times that we live in and Magnificat was begun in 1981 for such a time as this. There are now over 100 chapters throughout the United States and its territories and in many foreign countries.

Magnificat Meal

Hosted by Christ Our Light Chapter

Saturday, October 26, 2024
10am to 1pm

Location

Airport Hilton
150 Australian Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406

 Guest Speaker: Kim Vargas-Vila

Kim Vargas-Vila is a proud cradle Catholic and is an active member of Saint Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington. Kim was born in Florida but grew up in a military family and lived in several states. In 1984 Kim began her academic studies at the University of Florida where she met her husband, Victor. After graduation Kim and Victor returned to Palm Beach.

Kim has participated in a variety of ministries as part of her evangelization efforts. In college, she led fellow students as a team member on Alpha Retreats. She later guided engaged couples to prepare for marriage in the Catholic Church. She is currently honored to be an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

Her love of children led her to an ongoing 36-year career in Special Education, beginning as a teacher, and currently as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Kim has helped students with special needs to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation which brings her love for children and faith together.

In 2015 Kim felt God’s prompting to grow deeper in her faith and be surrounded by other like-minded Christians, the Holy Spirit urged her to attend a Cursillo Weekend. This enriched her life, and she has been actively involved in the Cursillo Movement ever since. One of Kim’s newest efforts is being a facilitator for the Grief Share program at her parish where she accompanies people of all ages who are painfully struggling with the death of loved ones. A feeling Kim knows all too well after the passing of her husband.

Kim strives to live by her favorite scripture verse: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7). She feels honored to be a part of Magnificat as she enjoys the fellowship of holy women who are loving and serving others as they grow closer to Jesus through His Blessed Mother, Mary.

Tickets & Reservations

Limited Seating so request your reservation early!
Breakfast will be included!

To secure your reservation please register by October 16, 2024

Seats per person $35.00. Please register by Zelle payment to magnificatpalmbeach@gmail.com. Contact Mary Anne Gioia at 561-876-6223 with any questions. If you register multiple individuals, please text names to 561-876-6223 or email names to magnificatpalmbeach@gmail.com.

Email:  magnificatpalmbeach@gmail.com  

Upcoming Meals & Events for our Chapter-2025

• February 8, 2025 – Maria Boylan
• May 17, 2025 – Laura Arena
• September 13, 2025 – TBA
• December 6, 2025 – TBA

Rosary Blanket of Prayer

Remember our chapter’s commitment to Eucharistic Adoration and to pray the Rosary on the 2nd of each month for the intentions of Magnificat, Sanctity of Life, Marriage and Family, and World Peace.

Our Prayer Groups

Is God calling you to be in a Prayer Group? Jesus said, “Wherever two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst.” Our prayer groups are open to all.

Magnificat Prayer Meetings

We are currently holding prayer meetings twice a month via Zoom. If you are not on our email list and would like to receive information about those meetings please send an email to MagnificatPalmBeach@gmail.com.

Stay informed of upcoming events by requesting the latest electronic newsletter. Simply send an email with the subject line “Newsletter” to MagnificatPalmBeach@gmail.com and you will be added to our mailing list.

Service Team Members

Mary Anne Gioia, Coordinator-561-876-6223
Amy DelValle, Assistant Coordinator/Secretary-561-236-9345
Perla Vigo, Treasurer-813-468-3588
Laura Arena, Historian-561-762-7485
Fr. Mario Casteneda, Spiritual Advisor/Advisory Team

If you would like to help with a Ministry of Magnificat, or if you have a question or comment for Our Service Team, or if you would like to be on our Mailing list for future events, please contact Mary Anne Gioia, Coordinator at  MagnificatPalmBeach@gmail.com

History of Christ Our Light Chapter of Magnificat

Magnificat Palm Beach Chapter, Inc., the Christ Our Light chapter, was formed on July 17, 2003, by its original coordinator, Dr. Carol Razza. The original team also featured Kate Battafarano, assistant coordinator, Marcia Kurtz, secretary and Britta Neinast as treasurer. The first Magnificat meal was held at the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach, Florida, with over 400 in attendance.

The first faith witness was Babsie Bleasdell who spoke of the power of the Holy Spirit working in her life. After Dr. Razza stepped down, Donna Holmstrom became the coordinator. After Donna’s appointment as Regional Representative to the Finance team, the current coordinator began serving. There have been four meals every year since its inception.

One of the many talents this variety of women, who have given their fiat to Magnificat, has is writing. The team focuses on publishing written reflections during Advent, Lent and during special holy days throughout the year, all designed to bring women closer to Christ. Some of these reflections have been picked up by the central service team and published in their newsletters. This chapter strives to be a model chapter for the world.