The first-ever Catholic Women’s Conference in Philadelphia will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The conference theme is “The Feminine Genius: Every Woman’s Gift,” and is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women). More than 500 women — married, single and consecrated religious — from the Greater Philadelphia region are expected to attend.

(See a video on “the feminine genius” below.)

An initiative of Catholic women from various parishes in the region, the conference will welcome 10 nationally known speakers, including Jeanette De Melo, editor-in-chief for the National Catholic Register, who will address the Catholic perspectives on current news and issues affecting women.

The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput. “The Catholic Women’s Conference opens a door to the most beautiful kind of renewal, the kind that comes from an authentic feminine leadership in the family, in the community, in business, in education, and in public life,” he said. “I wholeheartedly support this event.”

The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also include tracks for youths and Spanish speaking women. Discounts for groups of 10 or more and high school youths are available.

To learn more or to register for the event visit the conference’s website.