Women’s Day Celebration at St. Thomas’ Church

 ESTHER THOMAS

St. Thomas' Church. Middleton Row celebrated Women's Day on Sunday 7th March 2021. The Celebration commenced with a solemn service conducted by Fr. Jesu Retchahar. The service commenced with the Women of our parish walking in procession with lighted candles and singing the hymn. 'Carry your Candle. Thereafter. the statue of Mother Mary was venerated with incense and garlanded. Mrs Angela Secretary of the Women's Cell and Vice President of the CCWI gave a brief introduction on the Spiritual Advisor of the Women's Cell. 

The programme began by inviting our guests on the dais and felicitating them with bouquets. the Opening Pray was said by our parish priest Fr. Lucas D'Cruze, Mrs. Sandhya was asked to give a brief introduction on the works that the CCWI and the Women's Commission of the Archdiocese does at the Archdiocese level, Then Sr. Agnes our main speaker for the day spoke to the women on the theme stressing on the strength of women and encouraging our parish women to take up challenges with purpose of Celebrating the International Women's Day in our parish. During the service the women took part in the Liturgy by reading the the word of God and helping in the collection. The Offertory Gifts was offered by members of the women's cell which included a House, a Bible, Rosaries, Candles and Fruits along with Bread and Wine. At the end of the service Fr. lent blessed all the women and sprinkled holy water on them. Soon after the service all the women gathered in the parish hall where a small seminar was organized on the theme "CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE'. Our main speaker was Sr. Agnes Bhutia Head of the Loreto Community. Also present among us was Mrs. Sandhya Vincent. President of the CCWI and Women's Commission of the Archdiocese of Calcutta and Sr Phyllis Morris, IBVM, our new bravery which they face in their daily lives. After her speech, the women were divided in 8 groups and one member of the women cell spoke to each group on different topics. viz.. what is the role of women in the society, in its church and at the home front how can they get involved in church activities and what hinders /block them from joining in the women's cell group of the parish. etc. etc.. The group discussion was very fruitful as the women came up with brilliant ideas and solutions and ways to cope with problems. The same was then read out in the open hour session and the icing on the cake was - 90% women agreed to join the women's cell of the parish. Praise God!! After the open hour the vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Pansy who was also the Emcee of the programme. The women were given rosary which was blessed during the service followed by refreshment.