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The National office for CCBI Women’s Commission  created a landmark in faith formation and cultural diversity representation at the fourth National Women’s Conference held from 6th to 10th October 2022.

The commission hosted its IV National Conference in the historic golden city in the Eastern part of India, at Navintha Pastoral Centre Lucknow (Agra Region).  The Holy Eucharist celebrated at the beginning of the Conference was the sign of unity and love between all the Dioceses and participants.

The spiritual and spectacular Conference was inaugurated by Most Rev. Francis Kalist, the Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddlore who is the Chairman for CCBI Women’s Commission.  Most Rev. Gerald John Mathias,  the host Bishop of Lucknow Diocese, Gerald Almeida the Bishop of Jabalpur Diocese,  Executive Secretary Sr. Lidwin Fernandes UFS along with other representatives from different  Regions lighted the lamp and inugurated the Conference.

The theme for the IV National Conference was - ‘Chosen to be a Missionary in the Synodal Path’ focused on strengthening the foundation of Christian faith and knowledge of Church edicts. 

The sessions provided the women with spiritual nourishment to fulfil the mission of evangelization in their respective regions through holistic women empowerment initiatives.

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Francis, Ms. Maria Sangeeta, Rev. Dr. Stephan Alathara (Deputy Secretary General, CCBI), enlightened and enriched participants with their insights in the talks that they delivered.

Women participants from 78 Dioceses of 14 Regions of India demonstrated the splendor of Indian culture, represented by languages, preferences and attire. 

The regional sharing of action plans presented along with the challenges faced in terms of establishing women cell at grassroot level, prevalent gender inequalities were shared and all the participants shared the sentiments and noted the facts of concern. 

The awards ceremony acknowledged different categories of women in terms of their contribution for e.g.

1. Best women in the region chosen by Regional Secretary

2. The Dioceses having 100%women cell in the parish level 

3. Best Region and Best Regional Secretary

4. Two women were chosen for two special Awards.

The awardees were chosen on the basis of exceptional contributions made by women to the social, economic, political and cultural upliftment of women and forming women cells at grassroot level.

Executive Secretary Sr. Lidwin conducted the first Annual General Body meeting during the Conference in the presence of women leaders from the Dioceses and regions.

Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto, Most Rev. Gerald Almeida and Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado guided participants through the program with inspiring insights and sermons.

The program engaged, enriched and empowered women to fulfill their God given purpose of enabling gender equality in partnership with the church.

The Regional exibition on women empowerment and  culture, sharing of food items and exhibition of artifacts designed by women was an additional joy and fulfillment 

The cultural performances from the parishes of Lucknow Diocese and local sightseeing contributed to the success of the conference.

President of Diocesan women commission Mrs Anitha Dias from Mount Rosary Kalyanpur and Mrs Irine Periera from Udupi diocese attended the conference