Women’s Commission of Bhopal Archdiocese Elects New Office Bearers

Bhopal, September 6, 2025– The Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Bhopal convened its meeting at the Pastoral Centre under the chairmanship of His Grace Dr. Sebastian Durairaj, Archbishop of Bhopal, alongside Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Women’s Commission. The principal agenda of the gathering was the election of new office bearers for the 2025–2028 term.

The meeting opened with prayer and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Sr. Dr. Jisha Ann Maria extended a warm welcome, after which messages were shared by Fr. Maria Stephen, Dean of Bhopal Deanery, Sr. Metilda, and Mrs. Agnes Francis. Archbishop Durairaj formally inaugurated the session with his address.

Following this, election guidelines were outlined, and members cast their votes through a secret ballot conducted under the supervision of Fr. Ishwardas Minj, Vicar General of the Archdiocese. After a period of prayerful discernment, the Commission announced the newly elected office bearers for 2025–2028:

• President: Ms. Binsy George
• Vice President: Ms. Asunta Toppo
• Secretary: Ms. Shashi Nagle
• Joint Secretary: Ms. Sandhya Bara
• Treasurer: Ms. Sheeba Shaji
• Joint Treasurer: Ms. Asunta Rafferty
• Media: Ms. Asha Raja

The Commission also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing team for their dedicated service in promoting the empowerment of women within the Archdiocese. The outgoing members were:

• Ms. Agnes Francis – President
• Ms. Premshila Minj – Vice President
• Ms. Neha Varghese – Secretary
• Ms. Mildred Xess – Joint Secretary
• Ms. Saji Joseph – Treasurer
• Ms. Juliana Ekka – Joint Treasurer
• Ms. Jackqline Francis – Media

In the spirit of continuity, the Commission agreed to hold a formal handing-over ceremony at a later date. The details will be communicated by the Vicar General.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks and a final prayer, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Women’s Commission in its mission to support and empower women across the Archdiocese of Bhopal.

By Fr. Alfred D’Souza (PRO)

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