Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Mar 4: "The role of woman in a family does not need a special definition. We have all experienced a woman's role in her form as a mother or sister. No one can ever compare their role to any other agency or individual. Catholic women are one step ahead, they never hesitate to render their service to society. Our religious sisters are one of the best examples for this. Today the entire nation notices our community because of our social service, charity and modern thinking. Our women have had a big role to play in this, and it should continue," said Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru.
He was speaking at the Canara Catholic Women's Mega Convention-2018, held at St Agnes Special School Ground here on Sunday, March 4.
He further said, "Catholic Sabha central committee has accomplished a great achievement in bringing more than five thousand women under one roof. This is a historic day for our community. At the same time, I appreciate the decision to honour ten women achievers of our community. No doubt that this honour will encourage other women. Recognition is a great deed that leads to growth of a person and the society. I congratulate all the ten achievers who have proved they are experts in their fields. Their hard work, dedication and commitment brought them this honour. Complete focus on our chosen field brings success. Today these achievers have become a role model for the entire community."
In her inaugural speech, Sr Lillis, assistant superior general, Bethany congregation said, "Nowadays women power is highlighted everywhere. There was once a notion that women are weak as compared to men. But women have proved that wrong with their struggles and achievements. Of course, there are challenges that women have to face to get highlighted in society. But when we think of it as our right, definitely we can can do something positive in the society. I am so glad to inaugurate this convention because this is a sample of our women power and unity. No doubt this convention will give a new direction to our women world."
MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "For the first time in my life, I am witnessing this kind of convention. Hats off to Catholic Sabha and its leaders. The felicitation for ten women achievers has made this convention more meaningful. We know there are thousands of achievers in our community. They all are eligible for the honour on such stages. But today the award committee selected only a few because the awardees have worked from the grassroots level. With hard work they climbed the ladder of success. This should continue. I hope Catholic Sabha will organise such events every year. It will encourage our women a lot."
MLA J R Lobo said, "I see an enormous crowd here. It shows Catholic women's unity and concern towards the community. A community that gives respect to women always follows the path of improvement."
In his introductory speech, Anil Lobo, president, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh said, "Catholic women have great respect in society. Because of the religious sisters, our community has established its own signature in the field of service, education and health. Catholic women are brave and kind. So I would like to say this convention is a honour to Catholic women. At the same time, this convention gives new responsibility to women. Besides engaging in social service and charity, they should fight against social injustice and raise voice against the anti-social elements. It will make them stronger and will benefit the society and the community."
Veronica Cornelio, secretary, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee said, "Our women are well-known for their service in areas like health, education, banking and politics. Comparatively, our number is less than that of other communities, but in terms of dedication and commitment, our women are leading in every sphere. Their service and leadership are noteworthy."
"Catholic families have always been supportive to women's freedom and justice. They have great respect for women's rights. Because of this, without facing much hinderance from families, Catholic women are able to obtain better education and freedom to shed the orthodox mentality. But the current society and atmosphere warns us that this is not enough. We need more aggressiveness in our involvement in society. Our leadership should not limit itself to a short time or stop at an unexpected point. We can earn respect and respectable positions only through hard work. We know Catholic men are not against women's rights and their freedom. It is a plus-point for our women to engage themselves in society and lead the community," she said in her motivational address.
Ten women achievers of the society who worked from the grassroots level in agriculture, business, health, social service, education, literature, sports, government service, professionals and specially-abled person categories were conferred the 'Catholic Sabha Sthree Sadhan Award 2018'.
'Striyarigagi Sarakara', a book containing information of government schemes for women, authored by Prof Steven Quadros was released on the occasion.
Albert D'Souza, chairman, Model Co-Operative Society, Mumbai flagged off distribution of Catholic Sabha Lifetime membership card. The choir groups led by Alwyn D'Cunha Derebail and Melwyn Peris, Angelore sang prayer song and congratulatory song.
Before the inaugural ceremony, 'Save Environment' rally was held from Kadri-Mallikatta to the venue. Pius L Rodrigues, member, Karnataka Pollution Control Board, inaugurated the rally. Thousands of women, students and members of Catholic Sabha participated in the rally.
Queeny Mishel D'Costa, assistant commissioner, customs and central excise, advocate M P Noronha, secretary of Mangaluru diocese pastoral council, Fr J B Crasta, vicar forene, episcopal city feanery, Fr Mathew Vas, director, Catholic Sabha, Celestine D Souza, general secretory, Sharal D'Souza, convenor, Sthree Sanghatan, Valerian R Fernandes, president, Catholic Sabha, Udupi, Terry Pais, president, Sthree Mandali, and others were present.