“Mangal Deep Jele” with this melodious song along with the graceful entrance dance, holding the diyas ,the Holy Eucharist of the International women’s day began at Church of Christ the King ,Hall, Park Circus on 5th of March at 9.30 am. The main celebrant of the day was Rt. Rev. Archbishop Thomas D Souza and concelebrants were Vicar General Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes and the parish priest Rev. Fr. Basil Mandi in the presence of nearly five hundred enthusiastic women of the Archdiocese of Calcutta and two guests from Croatia. The trilingual service was well organized by the members of Council of Catholic Women of India along with Women’s Commission of Calcutta Archdiocese.
Archbishop Rev. Thomas D'Souza beautifully narrated the day’s Gospel on the feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ in His sermon. He mentioned in his preaching that Holy Father Pope Francis says in His meditation that all the people should have Divine experience in life, then only one can realize who is Jesus Christ to us. This Divine experience gives us the eagerness to go to church to experience Him as a family. The service of the Holy Eucharist ended with the worthy manner.
After a short Tea break the second part of the program started with the Introduction of the Women’s Day, keeping in mind the Theme, “ Digit All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" which was read out beautifully by Mr. Dilip Rozario. It was followed by the Welcome Address and felicitation by the president of CCWI to the dignitaries of the day.
Archbishop Rev. Thomas DSouza was requested to say a few words to the women of the Archdiocese during the program where he wished all the women present and spoke on the Theme of the year.
“God has created man and woman in equal dignity and rights, no one is superior. Therefore all the girl children should be educated well and help them to empower themselves. The gender equality generally starts through the education in the family and it is necessary to create awareness in the church and community. Society needs to be transformed. Young women should be given respect and responsibility which is also possible together through synodality as we are going through Synodal phase. Seeing the huge crowd of the women for the program His Grace said whole community of women bring meaning and courage and empowerment to other women of our community.
Today the world has become Digital. So we need to give the girl children and young women an opportunity in digital education to walk along with the present situation. Women cannot be behind the digital world.
Vicar General also shared a few words to encourage the women of the Archdiocese and wished them all.
Thereafter, two active members of women’s commission shared about the women empowerment as well as social and welfare schemes of West Bengal Minorities and finance corporation to the women crowd to create an awareness as many of them are not aware of these schemes. Dr. Linda Lewis who is the parishioner of Church of Christ the King shared some important tips on the health issues to the young mothers as well as the senior citizens to keep themselves fit and healthy.
After the input session the cultural program started with the opening song by the women of Premnagar, followed by a skit and few numbers of colourful folk dances by the women of different parishes which was enjoyed by all.
The day’s program came to an end with a sumptuous fellowship meal.
