By Richard D’souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Mar 11: Udupi Diocese Catholic Women Association, Kallianpur Deanery level organized Women Convention and International Women’s Day Celebration at Holy Family Church campus on Sunday March 9 with the theme of “The role of Women on positive change”.
During the inaugural occasion Eugene Rebello president of Catholic Women Association Kallianpur Deanery and Secretary Jenifer Quadros, Violet Castelino Diocesan Catholic Women’s Assocation president, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves Spiritual Director, Sr Lilly Pushpa Co-ordinator, Sr Tresa Martis Diocese Convener, Rosy Pinto resource person, Fr Dominic Viegas of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar and others were present.
The occasion was inaugurated by Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves along with guests on the dais. During his inaugural address Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves said that the role of women in society should be positive. He gave examples such as Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher and others. Literacy of women helps to development and uplift of women. Leena Roche of Brahmaver the founder president of undivided Mangalore Diocese tried hard to the development which will appreciated.
Violet Castelino during her address was all praise for Kallianpur Deanery women’s association. "It is easy to start various associations but it is difficult to keep them active. If the unit is strong and works hard then it helps to keep the deanery level association alsostrong."
She called all women to help diocesan souvenir by giving articles or other way.
During the occasion Leena Roche founder president of Catholic Women’s Association was felicitated by Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves for her outstanding support for the cause of catholic women in particular. After the honour she said that from her husband, Cynthia Dais of Barkur and from others support, she succeeded to establish the women’s association at the diocese level. During her speech by Sr Tresa Martis said "we should give light to others by way of establishing self help groups."
Rosy Pinto, resource person of the occasion pointed out the role of women in our society.
"Women should get all equal rights as men in all assets and properties of the generation. Women should change positively in the society to strengthen her life in a male dominated world."
Earlier Eugene Rebello welcomed the gathering. Flora D’Almeida and Veera Vas proposed vote of thanks while Jyothi Lewis and Lilly Lewis compered the program.
A Thanksgiving mass offered at Holy Family church thereafter which was concelebrated by Fr Stany. B. Lobo along with Fr Valerian Mendonca chancellor of Udupi Diocese and Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves.
During his homily Fr Stany B Lobo said "everyone has their own responsibilities. We should understand our responsibilities. Women should see equal with male dominated society. Br Gerald D’Silva also participated the mass."
After the mass and lunch, an afternoon session started with skits which was presented by all units of the association. Meaningful skits’ in relation to women in the society was played beautifully.
There was a huge response by way of the women’s participation during the day long celebrations of International Women’s Day influences to build a strong Catholic Women’s Association.