Udupi: ’Aim of Stree Sanghatan should be a society of united and empowered women’-Bishop

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 14 May 2014:  “The aim of the Udupi Diocese Stree Sanghattan for the next ten years should be building a society of united and empowered women”, emphasized Bishop of Udupi Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo while delivering the key-note address at the Annual Function of Udupi Diocese Stree Sanghattan held at St. Mary’s Kannada Medium High School Hall, Udupi on Wednesday, 14 May 2014 from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm.

 

Opening his address, the Bishop said that during the last year’s annual function he had outlined three important aims of the Stree Sanghattan, namely, organization, education and self-reliance of women. The long term plan for Udupi Diocesan women has been included in the Diocesan Plan which has to be implemented in an organized manner. The Bishop said that two important lay organizations at the parish as well as diocesan level are the Catholic Sabha and Stree Sanghattan. Efforts should be made to see to it that at least one woman from every family becomes the member of the Stree Sanghattan at the parish level.  He highlighted dhte fact that the progress and empowerment of women can come through women only.

 

Continuing his address, Bishop Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo said that it is very important to maintain good relations with other women’s organizations at the Taluk and District levels. Women should take initiative in availing the government facilities which are meant for minority communities and women. He lamented that Christian women lag behind in availing such facilities which are our rights. He asked the women to participate in local self government and make their presence felt in ward and grama sabhas and said that at least one woman from a parish should become member of one of the local self government bodies.  Speaking on the self-help groups, the Bishop said that by 2020, the women should take lead in organizing and managing their own cooperative bank. 

 

The annual function of the Stree Sanghattan began with prayer service conducted by the members of the Kundapur Varado under the direction of Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Parish Priest of Barkur and Spiritual Director of Stree Sanghattan. Mrs. Violet Castelino from Pamboor who is the President of the Udupi Diocese welcomed the dignitaries on the dais-Bishop Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of ‘Sampada’(Diocesan Social Development Organization), Sr. Treeza Martis-Animator, Mrs. Leena Roche-Founder President of Udupi Diocese Stree Sanghattan, Mrs. Janet Barboza-Secretary and Mrs. Sarita Alva-Resource person of the day.

 

Mrs. Janet Barboza, Secretary of the Stree Sanghattan presented the annual report of the Stree Sanghattan highlighting the main achievements of the women’s organization during the last year including establishment and revival of Stree Sanghattan in many parishes. 

 

Mrs. Violet Castelino honoured Mrs. Leena Roche-Founder President of Udupi Diocese Stree Sanghattan in the presence of the dignitaries on the dais. The role of Mrs. Leena Roche in establishing the Stree Sanghattan in the newly constituted Diocese of Udupi was highlighted on this occasion. 

 

In her reply to the felicitation, Mrs. Leena Roche said that in spite of many difficulties, the Stree Saanghattan was established in the Udupi Diocese because of the support of Bishop Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo and others. She said that in the constitution of the Stree Sanghattan it has been laid down that every year  there should be election of President, Secretary and other office bearers and committee members of the Sanghattan as different women should have an opportunity to develop leadership qualities. She further said that there are women with good talents and leadership qualities who should come forward and participate in women’s organizations. 

 

Sr. Treeza Martis-Animator, in her message said that society and families require women who inspire their children and other members of the families and community.

 

Mrs. Judith Fernandes, Editor of the magazine of the Stree Sanghattan “Mothiyam” made an appeal to the members to subscribe the magazine and also write articles to be published in the magazine.

 

Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of “Sampada” in his address said that there are seven resources in the society and finance is one of them.  Attempt should be made to develop most of the resources which would  bring about the all-round development of the society.

 

In his message, Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca complimented Mrs. Leena Roche, the founder president  and the present  office bearers and members of the Stree Sanghattan for organizing the Annual Function in a grand way.

 

 

Following the vote of thanks by Mrs. Lilly Lewis, the Joint Secretary, Mrs. Sarita Alva of Pamboor, presently Principal of St. Lawrence College, Moodubelle spoke on “Family Life” highlighting the role of  parents in the family and emphasized on the part that the mother plays in bringing up the children. She said that the mothers have to be the role models to their children. Mars. Sarita Alva pointed out the difficulties that the working mothers face as they have to bear the burden of practically the entire house management while men take things lightly in matters related to children and household.  She further said that the ‘mobile culture’ has brought in additional problems which has been causing a lot of  disturbance in family life. In conclusion, Mrs. Sarita Alva said that it is the women who because of their patience and virtues of forgiveness and  sacrifice that the families are standing firm.

 

Mrs. Mabel Menezes of Pamboor parish conducted some games. The entertainment programme was presented  by the Stree Sanghattan Units from Katapady and Nakre who presented folk dances, Pamboor who sang a group song and Moodubelle who presented a hilarious skit about the school.

 

Mrs. Leena Roche distributed prizes to the winners of the games. The entire programme was anchored by Mrs. Leena Tauro of Tallur Parish and Mrs. Judith mendonca of Pius Nagar Parish.