Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 16: The Commission for Women, diocese of Mangalore, hosted a grand Women’s Day celebration at St Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, Bendur, under the theme ‘Supporting a mission of empowerment’ on Sunday, March 16. This year, the event was also a significant celebration of the ‘Jubilee of Women’ in the year of hope, recognising the invaluable contributions of women to the church, society, and family life.

The programme was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, and featured Janet Barboza Mudarangady, resource mobilising officer of Maanini women’s State level federation, as the chief guest. The event was further graced by the presence of:

Sr Lidwin Fernandes UFS, executive secretary for the CCBI commission for women; Sr Nancy Lobo, executive secretary, Karnataka Region Commission for Women; Fr Faustine Lobo, diocesan coordinator of pastoral commissions; Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of Bendur Parish; Roy Castelino, diocesan PRO; Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP; Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre; Sr Sevrine Menezes, CRI Mangalore, Fr Francis D’Souza and Fr Vivek Pinto.

The event served as a platform to honour the contributions of women to the church and society, while also launching pioneering initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering women across the diocese.

A celebration of strength and vision

The event commenced with a prayer song and a graceful welcome dance, setting a spiritually uplifting tone. Usha Fernandes extended a warm welcome to the gathering, followed by Jeshma D’Souza’s insightful report on the commission’s ongoing efforts for women’s empowerment. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolised a new dawn of opportunities for women.

The Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the event, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to fostering gender equality. He praised the leadership of Anita Frank and the Women’s Commission’s executive committee, urging all 21 diocesan commissions to follow their model.

In his address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha emphasised that women’s empowerment must be rooted in faith, resilience, and collective action. He stated: “The dignity of women is deeply rooted in our faith. True empowerment does not mean women must compete with men, but rather that they must be given their rightful space to flourish in their families, workplaces, and society. The church recognises the unique contribution of women in shaping communities and fostering peace. We must move beyond words and take real, meaningful action to support and uplift them.”

Keynote address & inspirational insights

The chief guest, Janet Barboza Mudarangady, resource mobilising officer, Maanini Women’s State level federation, shared her inspiring journey, from parish-level leadership to state-wide influence. She reflected on her early struggles and the immense role of faith-based communities in shaping her path.

“The women’s association of my parish was the foundation of my leadership. It was there that I first found my voice, my confidence, and my purpose,” she said, urging women to step forward and seize leadership roles at all levels.

She also stressed the need for women to support one another, adding, “Change happens when we lift each other up. Let us be the force that empowers the next generation.”

Adding further depth to the discussions, Sr Nancy Lobo, regional secretary of the Commission for Women, called for gender equality in governance and decision-making. She stressed that true empowerment means amplifying women’s voices in policy-making.

“We must move beyond the idea that women should simply be present in decision-making spaces. Instead, they must actively shape the policies that affect them,” she remarked, emphasising that respect is not merely given, but earned through representation and leadership.

Fr Faustine Lobo, coordinator of all pastoral commissions, echoed these sentiments, advocating for holistic empowerment through education, financial independence, and leadership training.

“The way we educate our daughters and sons today will define the society we live in tomorrow,” he observed, calling for a shift in traditional mindsets that limit women's potential.

He also urged families to nurture respect and responsibility from an early age, stating, “True respect begins at home. When children grow up seeing women treated with dignity, they will carry that value into the world. He remarked, “Women are powerful, but there must be deliberate efforts to bring their capabilities to light. Men and women are not the same, but they are equal in terms of dignity and respect.”

Landmark initiatives for women’s empowerment

1. Launch of ‘Women connect’ – A women’s support network

A milestone moment was the launch of ‘Women Connect,’ a women’s support network fostering solidarity, mentorship, and collaboration. Inaugurated by Fr Faustine Lobo, this initiative aims to provide a safe and supportive space for women to share experiences, seek guidance, and uplift one another.

2. New website for the Commission for Women

To further enhance accessibility and outreach, Sr Nancy Lobo unveiled the official website of the Women’s Commission (www.wcmangalore.in). This platform will serve as a resource hub for women, facilitating networking, education, and empowerment.

3. Launch of ‘Matronnati Nidhi’ – financial support for women

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha launched the ‘Matronnati Nidhi’, a financial aid initiative supporting 29 underprivileged women, including widows and economically disadvantaged individuals. Key benefactors such as Prof Edmund Frank, John Samuel, and Anil Lobo (chairman, MCC Bank) contributed to this fund, ensuring its sustainability as a lifeline for women in need.

4. Formation of the diocesan women’s resource team

A 13-member resource team was introduced to mentor and guide women on their empowerment journey. Sr Lidwin Fernandes, national convener of the Commission for Women, presented each resource person with a lit candle, symbolising their role in illuminating the path for others.

Interactive session: women’s role in family & society

In an engaging interactive session, Sr Lidwin Fernandes evoked the spirit of womanhood, highlighting the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of women in both family and society. She urged the Women’s Commission to expand its mission beyond urban parishes and reach every woman in the remotest parts of the diocese. She stated, “The role of the Women’s Commission should not be limited to city gatherings; it must extend beyond borders to uplift and empower every woman, especially in rural and marginalised communities.”

She further reminded the gathering that women’s challenges are universal, but so too is their strength and resilience.

“Every woman carries within her a story of struggle and triumph. It is our duty to ensure that no woman walks that journey alone,” she said, urging continued solidarity and outreach.

A eucharistic conclusion & call to action

The event concluded with a Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of women’s empowerment.

Anita D’Sa Frank, diocesan secretary of the Commission for Women, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of leaders, organisers, and participants.

A movement for lasting change

This Women’s Day celebration was not just an event—it was the beginning of a movement. With the launch of ‘Women connect,’ ‘Matronnati Nidhi,’ and the diocesan women’s resource team, the diocese of Mangalore has taken bold steps towards gender equality and empowerment. These initiatives will continue to ignite change, ensuring that women in every parish, village, and community find the strength, support, and opportunities they deserve.

As the participants dispersed, they carried a renewed commitment—to uplift, empower, and stand in solidarity with every woman, everywhere.