Report and Pics by Fr A I Fernandes- Canara Communication Centre

Mangaluru, Oct 18: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Women inaugurated its landmark eighth National Conference, Mahilotsava 2026, on Sunday at the Divine Call Centre in Mulki, Mangaluru.

Bringing together delegates, religious, and bishops from across India's 80 dioceses, the three-day mega event centres on the theme "Women in Communion | Women for a Just World," aimed at advancing women’s active participation, leadership, and equality within the Church and broader society.

The morning commenced with an energetic and colourful cultural procession coordinated by Dr Preethi Keerthi D’Souza, celebrating India's regional and linguistic diversity. Delegates marched to the venue singing folk tunes, while tribal groups from Chhattisgarh and Odisha welcomed dignitaries with traditional dances and songs.

Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, president of the CCBI and Archbishop of Goa and Daman, was received at the main gate by a host delegation including Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur, National chairman of the CCBI Commission for Women; Bishop Antonis Bara, member bishop; Sr Lidwin Fernandes UFS, national executive secretary; Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general of the diocese of Mangalore; Dr Joy Painadath, vicar general of the diocese of Kannur; Fr Reginald Pinto, director of Sampada (Udupi) and CCBI National Council member of the Commission for Women; along with representatives from the co-hosting dioceses.

In a unique indigenous inauguration, dignitaries ceremoniously unfolded the pakku/ pingara (areca) flower—a symbol of purity, hospitality, and unity native to the agricultural heritage of coastal Karnataka. Cardinal Ferrão formally declared the conference open, followed by the singing of Laudate Dominum.

Aligning with the 29th Sunday in ordinary time and the Centenary of World Mission Day, Cardinal Ferrão delivered a profound homily and keynote address. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s theme, "One in Christ, united in mission," he emphasised that mission does not begin with human ideas or ownership, but is a gift granted by god. The Cardinal stressed that missionary outreach requires the enduring pillars of faith that prays without ceasing, love that serves without seeking applause, and hope that perseveres through challenges.

Reflecting deeply on women's integral role in society and the faith, the Cardinal underscored that every woman—regardless of her background as a mother, widow, consecrated religious, worker, or marginalized individual—bears the divine image of god and must never be reduced to a mere role, burden, or statistic.

"A missionary Church must be united in Christ, respectful of dignity, and open to the gifts of all. Women are not helpers on the edges of mission; they are partners at its centre," Cardinal Ferrão stated, calling for the total dismantling of discriminatory patriarchal practices and the full inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making structures.

The Cardinal highlighted the implementation milestones of the Pastoral Plan Mission 2033, noting that capacity-building initiatives and leadership training have successfully reached over 35,000 women across 46 dioceses. He also introduced the preparatory document for the upcoming 38th plenary assembly of the CCBI, urging grassroots participation from marginalised and vulnerable sections of society.

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur stressed the importance of recognising ordinary women transforming their communities through strength, wisdom, and kindness.

A focal point of the inaugural day was the launch of Mathronnothi, a vital initiative by the Mangalore Diocesan Commission for Women dedicated to supporting single mothers. Adding historic momentum to the project, philanthropist John Samuel presented a generous Rs 1 crore endowment fund established in cherished memory of his late mother, Rosy Samuel. The endowment was symbolically handed over by Diocesan executive secretary Anitha Frank.

The inaugural assembly celebrated dedicated service and announced key administrative updates:

• Tributes to achievers: Corrine Antoinette Rasquinha, founder of the White Doves Charitable Trust, was remembered and honoured in absentia for her pioneering work in providing shelter, food, and rehabilitation to destitute street people without discrimination.

Additionally, Dr Lavina Noronha, director of Ave Maria Palliative Care, Mangaluru, was honoured as a guest of honour for her outstanding contributions, sharing her inspiring journey in compassionate caregiving.

• New regional secretary announced: It was officially announced during the proceedings that Anitha Frank, diocesan secretary of the Mangalore diocese, has been appointed by the archbishop of Bengaluru as the new regional secretary, succeeding Sr Nancy Lobo FMM.

The afternoon session featured an orientation on the Catholic Connect app by the CCBI Media Apostolate for all participating delegates. The session was led by Nigil Fernandes, CEO, alongside Dr Roselin Raja of the CCBI Media Apostolate, guiding attendees on utilizing digital media tools for enhanced ecclesial connectivity.

The morning session transitioned into a solemn solemn Eucharistic celebration animated by the diocese of Mangalore. Cultural showcases by the dioceses of Kannur, Mangaluru, and Udupi enriched the cultural tapestry of the day.

The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Bishop Antonis Bara, followed by the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mahilotsava exhibition at the venue, displaying women’s enterprises, skills, and handmade initiatives. The three-day conference will continue through October 20, featuring intense deliberations, workshops, and action-plan formulations for gender mainstreaming in ecclesial structures.