Mangalore Diocese Champions Women’s Empowerment with Landmark Initiatives

MANGALORE, 17 March 2025 – The Commission for Women, Diocese of Mangalore, hosted a grand Women’s Day celebration on March 16 at St. Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, Bendur, under the theme “Supporting a Mission of Empowerment.” The event, held on Sunday, also marked the ‘Jubilee of Women’ in the Year of Hope, honouring women’s invaluable contributions to the Church, society, and family life.

Presiding over the event was Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, alongside Mrs. Janet Barboza Mudarangady, Resource Mobilising Officer of Maanini Women’s State Level Federation, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Sr. Lidwin Fernandes UFS, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Women, and Fr. Faustine Lobo, Coordinator of All Pastoral Commissions.

A Celebration of Strength and Vision

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, in his address, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to fostering gender equality, praising the Women’s Commission’s leadership under Mrs. Anita Frank.

“The dignity of women is deeply rooted in our faith. True empowerment does not mean competing with men, but rather ensuring that women flourish in their families, workplaces, and society,” he stated, urging meaningful action for women’s upliftment.

Inspirational Insights and a Call for Leadership

 Sharing her journey from parish-level leadership to state-wide influence, Chief Guest Janet Barboza Mudarangady emphasised the importance of faith-based communities in shaping women leaders.

“Change happens when we lift each other. Let us be the force that empowers the next generation,” she urged.

Stressing the need for gender equality in governance, Sr. Nancy Lobo, Regional Secretary of the Commission for Women, stated that women must not only be present in decision-making but actively shape policies affecting them.

Fr. Faustine Lobo emphasised holistic empowerment through education, financial independence, and leadership training. “True respect begins at home. When children grow up seeing women treated with dignity, they will carry that value into the world,” he said.

Major Women’s Empowerment Initiatives Launched

The event witnessed the launch of four significant initiatives:

1. ‘Women Connect’ – A Support Network: Inaugurated by Fr. Faustine Lobo, this platform fosters solidarity, mentorship, and collaboration among women.

2. Official Website for Women’s Commission: Launched by Sr. Nancy Lobo, this online platform (www.wcmangalore.in) will serve as a resource hub for women.

3. ‘Matronnati Nidhi’ – Financial Aid for Women: Bishop Saldanha launched this fund to support underprivileged women, with contributions from benefactors, including Prof. Edmund Frank, Mr. John Samuel, and Mr. Anil Lobo (Chairman, MCC Bank).

4. Diocesan Women’s Resource Team: A 13-member team was introduced to mentor and guide women on their empowerment journey.

A Call to Expand Women’s Outreach

In an interactive session, Sr. Lidwin Fernandes urged the Women’s Commission to extend its mission beyond urban centres to rural communities, emphasising that “every woman carries within her a story of struggle and triumph. We must ensure no woman walks her journey alone.”

A Movement for Lasting Change

This Women’s Day celebration marked not just an event but the start of a movement, ensuring that every woman in the Diocese of Mangalore finds strength, support, and opportunity.

Fr. Anil Fernandes