Karnataka Regio
Empowering the Margins: Pavoor Uliya Women Empowerment Mission Launched
Pavoor Uliya, Mangalore Diocese — In a significant step towards uplifting marginalized women, the Pavoor Uliya Women Empowerment Mission was officially inaugurated on the island of Pavoor Uliya. The launch took place in the spirit of community and faith, following Sunday Mass, with the blessings and guidance of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of the Diocese of Mangalore. The mission witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 29 families, symbolizing the island community's readiness for transformation and growth.
A Collaborative Mission of Faith and Action
This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Commission for Women, CODP (Canara Organisation for Development and Peace), and St Aloysius Deemed to be University, unified by a common goal: to empower women in remote areas through awareness programs, skill-building initiatives, and leadership development.
Fr. Fredrick Braggs, Parish Priest of Pavoor Uliya, warmly welcomed the visiting team and expressed heartfelt gratitude for choosing Pavoor Uliya as the mission’s starting point. He described the mission as a “divine intervention,” a realization of his long-standing pastoral vision. He emphasized that with the church under the patronage of Infant Jesus, faithful service would surely be met with divine blessings in every endeavor.
Vision Cast Through Key Addresses
Mrs. Anita Frank, Secretary of the Commission for Women, delivered the keynote address. She outlined the mission’s vision and objectives, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to recognize their God-given dignity and capabilities. She reminded the attendees that true wealth lies not in external aid, but within each person’s unique gifts, talents, and inner strength.
Mrs. Irene Rebello offered an inspiring message that resonated deeply with the women present. She encouraged them to rise with courage, embrace their inner strength, and build unity within families and communities. “When we shift our mindset from ‘mine’ to ‘ours,’” she said, “we can accomplish all things with God’s blessings.” She urged the women to live lives marked by love, kindness, and a spirit of selflessness, reflecting the Gospel values.
Formation of Women’s Cell: A New Beginning
A significant outcome of the gathering was the formation of the Pavoor Uliya Women’s Cell, with 22 committed members stepping forward. The newly elected executive committee includes:
The presence of Women’s Commission Executive Committee members—Mrs. Anita Lobo, Mrs. Usha Fernandes, and Mrs. Mercy Menezes—reinforced the Commission’s commitment to walking alongside grassroots women and supporting their journey toward empowerment.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The launch concluded with a spirit of unity and hope. It marked not just the beginning of a development initiative, but the start of a faith-filled journey—one rooted in the Gospel call to justice, dignity, and the empowerment of the least among us. The Pavoor Uliya Women Empowerment Mission now stands as a testament to what the Church can accomplish when faith meets action.
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