“Strong, Active and Sustainable Women’s Organization is the need of the time”-Bishop Gerald Isaac Lo

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 12 May 2025: Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo in his address to women said that ‘strong, active and sustainable Catholic Women’s Organization (Catholic Stree Sanghattan is the need of the time’. He was speaking at the Annual General Body Meeting of Sugamya Mahila Okkuta of the Udupi District and the Catholic Stree Sanghattan of the Udupi Diocese at the Ave Maria Hall of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi on Monday, 12 May 2025 at 03.00pm. Referring to the ten women who were honoured during the programme for their unique achievements, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lob said that these women are an inspiration to the society and complemented them for their service to their families and community. 

 

Continuing his address, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo referred to the just concluded Synod of the Catholic Church that concluded officially in October 2024. He highlighted the sections in the recommendations of the Synod pertaining to women in general. He said that the Synod has recommended 50 percent reservation for women in Parish and Diocesan Pastoral Councils and Parish Finance Committees. In the direction of the empowerment of women the recommendation of the Synod includes their training in development of leadership qualities and enhancement of skills not only at the parish level but also in civil and political spheres. Other recommendations include the observance of not only Women’s Day but also, Girls Day, Constitutional Day and Human Right day at the Parish, Deanery and Diocesan levels. The Synod has stressed on the promotion of Gender Equality and providing modern education to women in the changing world of technological revolution. The Synod has also recommended that the participation of women in decision making at all levels should be encouraged and promoted and women should be accorded equal status and honour. In this way, the Bishop continued that there is a need to build strong, active and sustainable Women’s Organizations. However, he lamented on the fact that there are signs of decline in te membership in the Stree Sanghattan and made an appeal to the women to increase the number of membership to 10,000 in the coming years. 

Following the welcome dance by the women from Mukamar Parish and brief prayer service by and welcome address by the Stree Sanghattan members from the Karkala Deanery and welcome address by the President of the Diocesan Committee of the Stree Sanghattan Mrs. Gracy Coelho, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr. Charles Menezes and Mrs. Gracy Coelho inaugurated the programme by pouring water to a plant in the flower pot. 

 

On this occasion ten women who had manifested resilience, hard work and determination in the face of adversities to overcome financial hardships to uplift their families and community were honoured by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr. Reginald Pinto-Spiritual Director of  Stree Sanghattan and Executive Director of Sampada, Udupi and Fr. Charles Menezes-Dean of Udupi Deanery. These ten women achievers included: Mrs.Leena Fernandes (Parappady)-Karakala Deanery introduced by Mrs. Precilla Lobo; Mrs.Winney Reginal D’Souza (Nakre)-Karkala Deanery introduced by  Mrs,Hilda Fernandes; Mrs.Asha Karvlho of Kundapura Deanery introduced by Mrs. Shanti Rebello; Mrs. Vimala Cordellia (Thrasi) of Kundapura Deanery introduced by Mrs. Shalet D’Silva; Mrs. Delfin D’Souza (Perampalli) of Udupi Deanery introduced by Mrs.Jessy pinto; Mrs. Reena D’Souza (Moodubelle) Udupi Deanery  introduced by Mrs. Gladys Rebello;Mrs. Joslin D’Souza(Kemmannu) Kallianpur Deanery introduced by Mrs. Sooji Fernandes;  Mrs. Shanti Roche (Brahmavar) Kallianpur Deanery introduced by Mrs. Janet Fernandes; Mrs. Celine Pinto (Pangla) Shirva Deanery introduced by Mrs. Samira Rebello;  Mrs. Sarita Noronha(Kalattur) Shirva Deanery introduced by Mrs. Prafulla Lobo.

 

During the programme, Mrs. Flavia D’Souza, Secretary of the central Committee of the Diocesan Stree Sanghattan read the minutes of the last General Body Meeting  and presented the report of the various activities conducted during 2024-25.

The annual accounts of the Stree Sanghattan and account of ‘Motiyan’ magazine were presented by the Treasurer of the Central Committee Mrs. Cynthia D’Silva.

 

Fr. Charles Menezes in his message to the women recalled the Mothers Day celebrated on Sunday, 11 May 2025 and stressed on the significance of being a ‘mother’ in the family and society. 

Fr. Reginald Pinto while giving important inputs to the members of the Stree Sanghattan appreciated the choice of women who were honoured during the programme. He also  made an appeal to the women to work hard to achieve the figure of 10,000 members as mentioned by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. 

 

Besides Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr. Charles Menezes and Fr. Reginald Pinto, other dignitaries on the dais included: Mrs. Gracy Coelho-President of the Central Committee of the Stree Sanghattan, Mrs. Flavia D’Souza-Secretary, Mrs. Cynthia D’Silva-Treasurer, Mrs. Ancilla Lewis-Vice President,  Mrs. Florine Mendonca-Joint Secretary, Mrs. Gracy Machado-Representative of ‘Motian’ Magazine,  Mrs.Preeti Fernandes-President of Catholic Stree Sanghattan Kundapura Deanery, Mrs. Lavina Pereira-Karkla Deanery, Mrs.Marina Lewis-Kallianpura Deanery, Mrs. Nancy D’Silva-Shirva eanery and Mrs. Gracy Monteiro Udupi Deanery.

 

Mrs. Florien Mendonca, Joint Secretary of the Central Committee proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Veera Pinto and Mrs. Janet Baanz compered the programme.