Media Release:
Udupi, Oct 19: The fourth national women’s conference organized by the national office of CCBI women’s commission saw a grand success. The conference was held from October 6 to October 10 at Navintha Pastoral centre in Lucknow.
Janet Barboza of Udupi diocese and Senyora Namchu of Darjeeling were presented with the best women national award for their service in women empowerment. Udupi diocese also received the award for having 100% women cells at the parish level. Irene Periera of Udupi diocese was awarded with “Best women in the region” award.
Fr Francis Kalist, archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddlore and chairman for CCBI Women's Commission inaugurated the four-day conference. Fr Gerald John Mathias, bishop, diocese of Lucknow Fr Gerald Almeida, bishop, diocese of Jabalpur Sr Lidwin Fernandes UFS, executive secretary along with other representatives from different regions were present on the occasion. The theme for the national conference was, ‘Chosen to be a Missionary in the Synodal Path’ focused on strengthening the foundation of Christian faith and knowledge of Church edicts.
Sessions provided the women with spiritual nourishment to fulfil the mission of evangelization in their respective regions through holistic women empowerment initiatives. Fr. Sebastian Francis, Maria Sangeeta, Dr Stephan Alathara, deputy secretary general, CCBI conducted the sessions. Women participants from 78 dioceses of 14 regions of India demonstrated the splendor of Indian culture, represented by languages, preferences and attire. The awardees were chosen on the basis of exceptional contributions made by women to the social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of women and forming women cells at grassroots level.
Sr Lidwin Fernandes UFS, secretary, conducted the fourth women's CCBI conference. Due to her efforts, 232 women representatives from all over India participated in the fourth conference and the conference was a grand success. Sr Lidwin also conducted the first annual general body meeting. Fr Reginald Pinto, Fr Gerald Almeida and Fr Chetan Machado guided participants. The regional exhibition on women empowerment and culture, sharing of food items and exhibition of artifacts designed by women was also held. Cultural performances were also presented by the Lucknow parishes.