Patna Archdiocese Marks St. Monica Day With Call for Prayer and Women’s Leadership

Patna, AUGUST 17, 2026: Around 220 women representing 30 parishes of the Archdiocese of Patna gathered at Navjyoti Niketan, Kurji, on August 16 to mark St. Monica Day, reflecting on her example of faith, perseverance, prayer and commitment to family.

Organised by the Archdiocesan Women’s Commission, the programme sought to encourage women to live out their vocation in their families, the Church and society with faith, hope and courage.

The celebration opened with prayer and reflection on the life of St Monica and the faith of Mary, with special prayers offered for families, mothers and young people.

Sr. Ancy Thomas CJ, secretary of the Women’s Commission, highlighted St. Monica’s relevance to women confronting challenges in family and social life. She urged participants to become “another Monica” in their own families and communities through persistent prayer and faithful accompaniment of children and young people.

Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura of Patna described St. Monica as a model of patience, faith and perseverance. He encouraged mothers to accompany their children with love, understanding and guidance, particularly in their spiritual, moral and human development.

The Holy Eucharist, presided over by Archbishop Kallupura and concelebrated by Fr. Satya Prakash and Fr. Rajkumar SJ, was the central event of the gathering. In his homily, the Archbishop called on the women to be witnesses to love, forgiveness, unity and faith in their families and communities.

A cultural programme featured Bible-based dances, action songs, group songs and skits presented by women from different parishes. The performances combined faith-based messages with the participants’ creativity and talents.

Sr Ancy also introduced the Patna Archdiocesan Catholic Women’s Association, or Mahila Sangh, outlining its objectives, membership and responsibilities. Women above 30, irrespective of their marital status, including widows and single mothers, are eligible to join the association.

She called on women to move beyond participation and take greater responsibility in the association by developing their leadership skills and becoming agents of positive change in their families, parishes and wider society.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for women from different parishes to share experiences, showcase their talents and strengthen fellowship and their sense of belonging to the archdiocesan women’s movement.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Asha Kujur, who acknowledged the Archbishop, priests, religious sisters, parish representatives, participants and organisers. She also expressed appreciation for Sr. Ancy’s leadership in organising the celebration.

The gathering ended with a renewed emphasis on St. Monica’s witness that prayer, patience, love and perseverance can sustain hope through difficult circumstances.

By Catholic Connect Reporter