In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean. We all know that. But where did he get the means to take such an extensive voyage?

Queen Isabella of Spain, also known as Isabella the Catholic, funded Columbus’ voyage of discovery and evangelism. Isabella was especially interested in the Native Americans. When some of them were brought back to Spain in slavery, she insisted they be immediately freed and treated with justice and dignity. To those of us who are not history majors, Queen Isabella might seem little more than an archaic historical figure. But to a group of young women on campus she is much, much more.

The Order of the Daughters of Isabella is a charitable organization of Catholic women founded on the principles of unity, friendship and charity. The organization seeks to emulate Queen Isabella’s service, preservation of Christianity, and Catholic lifestyle.

The first circle of Daughters of Isabella was formed in 1897 in New Haven, CT. Today, it has a membership of more than 60,000 women worldwide, making it one of the world’s largest Catholic women’s organizations. Originally a subsidiary to The Knights of Columbus, the group’s aims include:

• To know one another better
• To extend our circle of friends
• To uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church
• To centralize all our resources to better help one another
• To be a greater force to contend with in the pursuit of good in our society.

The campus Daughters of Isabella circle was formed just a year ago, but it already has nearly 60 members, according to junior Megan Godfrey, circle regent.

“When we started first talking about the organization about a year ago, it was something the campus really needed,” Godfrey stated. “The women didn’t have a voice on their own, so I think it was really important that we got something established.”

The Daughters of Isabella organize several service projects and fundraisers, including the grotto clean-up, decorating Christ the King Chapel and a Christmas gift-wrapping booth.

The women also plan several campus social events, the next one being the February Formal. There will be swing-dance lessons offered, followed by a dance as well as a desert bar. If you are a Catholic woman and would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella at Loras College, contact Megan Godfrey at

Megan.Godfrey@loras.edu. You also can stop by the Daughters of Isabella office in the basement of Keane Hall during their office hours, on Mondays from 11-12 a.m.