2nd Regional Conference, Commission for Women of the Chhattisgarh Region
The CRBC Commission for Women, Chhattisgarh Regional Conference was successfully held at Boirdadar Parish in the Diocese of Raigarh from 17th to 19th October 2025. More than 1,600 women participants attended the conference, representing five dioceses—Jashpur, Ambikapur, Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Raigarh. The presence and active collaboration of the religious sisters from these dioceses were highly commendable. The sisters brought a large number of women from their respective parishes, greatly contributing to the success and liveliness of the event.
On the evening of 17th October, participants began arriving from all directions. Their enthusiasm and joyful presence created a vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, a beautiful candlelight procession was held in honour of Mother Mary, accompanied by devotional hymns such as “Dularo Aayo, Mere Khanta Aayo.” The parish courtyard glowed with colourful lights, symbolizing the festive spirit of Diwali.
The following morning, 18th October, began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Antonis Bara, Bishop of Ambikapur and a member of the National Women’s Commission. The Holy Mass, enriched with entrance and offertory dances by the women of Raigarh Diocese, was celebrated with great devotion.
After the Eucharist, an exhibition was inaugurated, showcasing local products and handicrafts prepared by the women from different dioceses — all of which were sold out within minutes.
The official inauguration of the CCBI Women’s Commission Regional Conference followed, marked by a colourful flag procession representing the five dioceses. The flag hoisting and formal declaration of the 2nd CCBI Regional Conference for Women, Chhattisgarh Region, were made by Bishop Antonis Bara.
Sr. Crescensia Tirkey, DSA, Regional Secretary, warmly welcomed all participants and presented a report on the achievements and progress of the Commission’s work in the region. Sr. Dipti Minj, Holy Cross Congregation, Hazaribag — Member of the National Commission for Women (Hindi Section) — delivered the Keynote Address.
Rev. Fr. Mukti Prakash Minj, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jashpur, also addressed the gathering, encouraging women to continue their mission with zeal and faith. In his message, Bishop Antonis Bara appreciated that Chhattisgarh is the only region where both the Chairperson and Secretary of the Women’s Commission are women — a fact that has greatly contributed to the Commission’s active and fruitful functioning.
The first Chairperson, Sr. Georgina, Provincial Superior of the Holy Cross Congregation, Hazaribag, and the current Chairperson, Sr. Deepika George, SMMI, Provincial Superior, were both recognized for their leadership and commitment.
Throughout the conference, various speakers delivered talks on relevant and inspiring themes:
In the evening, women from different dioceses presented a cultural program, which was greatly appreciated by all.
On 19th October, the concluding day, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Paul Toppo, Bishop of Raigarh, along with Rev. Fr. Mukti Prakash Minj (Vicar General, Jashpur Diocese), Rev. Fr. Shanti Prakash Panna (Pallottine Society, Former Provincial Superior), and other priests.
The first session of the day was led by Rev. Fr. Shanti Prakash Panna, who spoke on “Family, Society, and Church: Problems and Solutions.” He emphasized that family conflicts often arise among those we live with daily, while the real struggles for justice — for human rights, water, forest, and land — lie outside. He urged participants to rise above doubt and suspicion within families, warning that while mobile phones are a source of knowledge, they can also isolate family members. “We often become lions within our homes,” he said, “but behave like ostriches in society — hiding from real issues.” He concluded by reminding that the quality of a family — whether good or bad — depends on its members.
Later, Sr. Dipti Minj presented the vision, direction, resource team, and ongoing initiatives of the Commission for Women.
Finally, the Presidents of the Women’s Associations from each diocese were felicitated with mementos and words of appreciation for their dedicated service. The conference concluded with the flag-lowering ceremony and expressions of gratitude.
Sr. Crescensia Tirkey, DSA,
Regional Secretary
CRBC Commission for Women
Raipur.
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