Media Release 

Mangaluru, Mar 17: International Women's Day' was celebrated on March 17 in a unique way at St Lawrence Church in Bondel in honour of women.

Thanksgiving mass was offered in the morning by Fr Peter Gonsalves, spiritual director, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School. The way of the cross, liturgy and choir was led by the members of ladies association. 

Fr Peter stated in his homily, "how am I supposed to be wheat in my life? It is possible to develop qualities that make us effective and enhance the lives of others by prayer, contemplation, and deeds of love." 

Breakfast was served for all the women and parish families at the St Lawrence English Medium School Auditorium right after the mass. The programme commenced with a prayer hymn conducted by women's association members led by Joachim Pinto. 

The vice-president of the Ladies Association, Cecilia D’Cunha, welcomed everyone graciously. Members presented flowers to guests on the dais. Eugene Fernandes, the association's vice-president, presented the annual report.

The programme began in a unique form by painting the paper with paint that reflected the day's topic, ‘Solemnise Womanhood.’ 

The intro was done by Lavina Menezes. The following women were honoured by flowers and gifts during the programme hosted by the Ladies Association: Celine Saldanha, Mary Mendonca, Leena D'Souza, Hilda D'Souza, Maria D'Souza, Gracy Moras, Genevieve Albuquerque, Celine Saldanha, Winnifred Machado, Irene D'Cunha, Jessy Noronha, Theresa D'Souza, Alice Noronha, Lidwina Pinto, Lucy Lobo, Cecelia D'Silva, Cecelia Sequiera, Monthi D'Souza, Philomena Lobo and among them Monthy Saldanha, who is the senior most  was honoured with a shawl, flowers, fruits, and peta.

Our own parishioner, Dr Preethi Keerthi D’Souza, chairperson of the department of commerce, Mangalore University, was the resource person for the day. She was honoured with a memento, shawl, flowers, and fruits, and was felicitated for her accomplishments in all fields. Monica D'Silva gave a brief introduction of her outstanding achievements. 

In his message, spiritual director Fr Peter Gonsalves said: "On this auspicious occasion of Women's Day, let us come together in a spirit of reverence and celebration, to honour the divine feminine that resides within each and every one of you. It is my privilege and my responsibility as a spiritual director to acknowledge the priceless contributions that women make to our parish, our families, our communities, and the wider world." 

Fr Peter Gonsalves, Fr Lancy D’Souza, Sr Lavina UMI, Dr Preethi Keerthi D’Souza, Santhosh Misquith secretary, parish pastoral council, Avitha Mascarenhas, president, Irene Dias, secretary, ladies’ association were on the dais.

During her PPT presentation, videos, and discussion, the day's resource person, Dr Preethi Keerthi D'Souza, awakened up our minds to the journey of womanhood how to recognise oneself, live in society with dignity, and understand how unique women are in this modern world. 

She stated that the solemnisation of womanhood is a celebration of the remarkable qualities that define women as agents of change, compassion, and resilience.  

"As we honour and celebrate women today, let us recognise the invaluable contributions they make to our families, our communities, and our world. Together, let us continue to uplift and empower one another, knowing that the true essence of womanhood lies in the strength, compassion, and courage of each and every woman." she said. 

The ladies association president, Avitha Mascarenhas, expressed her thoughts. "By working together, we can create a society in which all women are respected, valued, and given the chance to succeed. Let's keep going till that goal is accomplished," she said.

Parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza's powerful message was conveyed at the conclusion of the women's day celebration: "a society that supports women is a society that values humanity. I’m proud of the women of my parish who are constant sources of strength and support for our community."

The formal function was followed by a variety entertainment programme presented by members like songs and dance, skit, talent show and ramp walk.

Secretary Irene Dias proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Veena Dias There were about 200 attendees for the programme. The programme concluded with a hymn of thanksgiving.