Every human person in the world has a right to dignified life. Power and greed has broken people into a distorted form with discrimination among class, caste, race and sex. The situation of oppression and injustice are signs of present times, calling us to take our responsibilities seriously. The voices of protest and resistance are rising, and challenging the poor, especially women, to reclaim their dignity as human persons.
The Bombay Archdiocesan Synod 2001 expressed that the dignity of women both lay and religious, be duly recognized, defended and be given its rightful place in the church in Mumbai and in society.
Keeping in mind the above, the Women’s Cell of our parish was established on 8th March 2004, on International Women’s Day. A programme was organized for the women of our parish at Atma Darshan, commencing with a prayer service, and fellowship thereafter. Since then the women cell began to sail. The cell has ten committed members who meet once a month with their spiritual director.
The aim and objectives of the Women cell are:
- To enhance ‘Leadership quality’ in women, empowering them with appropriate skills and knowledge.
- Empowerment and Encouragement of its members and other women to take on action programmes and be independent.
Some of the activities carried out by the Women Cell are:
- Celebration of girl child day on 8th September.
- International Women’s Day on 8th March with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed by a gathering of all women and ending with fellowship meal.
- Reaching out to poor female children by sponsoring the school fees.
- Classes in English speaking for women only.
- Classes for students of VII and likely to start classes for IX also soon.
- Conduct walking pilgrimage to Our Lady of Vailankani, Irla, every year.
- Sponsoring the treatment, physiotherapy and diabetes for women of other faiths.