Vailankanni to Host 7th National Women’s Conference

Vailankanni, 26 September 2025 (CCBI): The National Shrine Basilica of Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu is preparing to welcome Catholic women leaders from across India for the 7th National Conference of the CCBI Commission for Women and the celebration of Women Jubilee 2025.

The conference, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”, will be held from 29th September to 1st October 2025, bringing together over a thousand women leaders for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The programme will begin on 29th September with a Holy Pilgrimage to the Basilica. Fourteen regional representatives will enter with flags, accompanied by theme songs and dances. Words of welcome will be offered by Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, U.F.S., Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Women and Sr. Prabha Dhabi, followed by an introduction by Sr. Daya CJ.

The inaugural Holy Eucharist will be celebrated by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay. During the inaugural session, the conference will be officially opened by Bishop Kishor K. Kujur, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Women and Bishop of Rourkela. Bishop Sagayaraj Thamburaj of Thanjavur will deliver the benedictory address, while Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, will give the keynote address.

The inaugural programme will also feature cultural performances and a special screening of the film “The Face of the Faceless”, based on the life of Blessed Sr. Rani Maria.

On 30th September, the Jubilee of Women will be celebrated under the theme “My Grace is Sufficient for You”. Activities will include an early morning procession from Morning Star Church to Xavier Hall, accompanied by songs, dances, and a lighted lamp ceremony. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated by Archbishop Francis Kalist, Archbishop of Pondicherry-Cuddalore, with offertory collections directed to the Manipur relief fund. The day will also feature cultural programmes, Bible sessions for women, and Praise and Worship with Eucharistic Adoration.

The celebrations will conclude on 1st October with a thanksgiving Holy Mass themed “You are Precious to Me, and I Love You”, led by Bishop Kishor K. Kujur.

“We are eagerly awaiting this event. It is a pilgrimage, a jubilee celebration, and our national conference is all in one. It is a wonderful opportunity for Catholic women in India to grow information and leadership,” said Anupama Raymond, a state leader from Patna, Bihar

The CCBI Women’s Commission aims to nurture women leaders for the Church and society, offering programmes that empower women to take active roles in leadership and participatory structures.

By Dr. Julie Rose