Over 1,400 Women Gather for Women’s Commission National Conference in Vailankanni

Vailankanni, October 1, 2025 – The 7th National Conference of the Jubilee of Women 2025 is being held from 29 September to 1 October under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, bringing together participants from across India for prayer, reflection, and celebration. The gathering, organised by the CCBI Commission for Women at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, has drawn over 1,400 women from 77 dioceses across the country.

This year’s conference is enriched by the celebration of Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope at the Birth of Jesus – offering women an opportunity to come away from their homes, to pray, celebrate culture and traditions, and to experience fellowship free from daily household responsibilities. A key highlight of the event is the commemoration of one year of the Pastoral Plan’s implementation.

The inaugural Holy Eucharist was celebrated by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, who praised the invaluable contributions of women to the life and mission of the Church. During the opening session, the conference was officially inaugurated by Bishop Kishor K. Kujur, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Women and Bishop of Rourkela. The presence of the local ordinary, Bishop Sagayaraj Thamburaj of Thanjavur, along with several bishops, priests, and religious, added solemnity to the inauguration.

Throughout the conference, talks underscored women’s essential role in transforming both the Church and society. Participants were encouraged to lead with courage, spread the Gospel, and bring hope to their communities. Inspired by Archangel Gabriel, they were urged to use technology wisely for mission and reflect the Gospel through love and daily life. St. Michael’s example underlined the call to resist evil with integrity, while Archangel Raphael reminded women of their healing mission within families and society. Sessions also explored Women in the Bible, especially Mary’s steadfast support for Jesus, showing the power of consistent faith and devotion. The discourse affirmed that women, as agents of faith and resilience, are called to inspire, heal, and transform the nation.

To accommodate the diverse participation, including a large number of Adivasi women, sessions were conducted in both Hindi and English. Resource persons guided reflections on Women in the Bible, drawing lessons of faith, strength, and leadership.

The programme also featured a light-and-sound presentation of Vailankanni, a video highlighting the violence in Manipur, and greetings from the Vatican Dicastery. Cultural evenings included traditional dances and the Jubilee Year theme song, while a special light-and-sound presentation portrayed the life and martyrdom of Sr. Rani Maria through the film Face of the Faceless. The reflection on Manipur’s violence led to the launch of a new project supporting 20 women towards economic stability.

Diocesan women’s commissions shared their success stories through creative flex displays, inspiring leaders to continue strengthening women’s mission in the Church. On the third day, the National Council of the CCBI Commission for Women animated evaluation sessions, helping diocesan commissions reflect on their functioning and identify areas for growth.

Dioceses came together in a unifying moment of prayer through the Holy Rosary and Holy Path, affirming the spirit of pilgrimage and hope that guides the conference. Gratitude was expressed to the rector and faculty of the Velankanni Shrine Basilica for their generosity and constant support, which enabled the organisation of such a large gathering.

The 7th National Conference of the CCBI Commission for Women stands as a moment of celebration, a time of deep reflection and inspiration, and a renewed commitment to empowering women in the life of the Church and society in India.

Over 1,400 Women Gather for Women’s Commission National Conference in Vailankanni

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