12 March 2023
Harihara: The International Women's Day at the Diocesan Level was celebrated on 12 March 2023 at Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar with grandeur. In her introductory speech, Sr Elize Lourdh, the Director/Secretary for the Women Commission in the diocese praised the role of women in the diocese and also highlighted the need of the formation of the women cells at the parish and mission centres.
The main speakers on the occasion were Mrs Brinda Adiga, the Advocate from Bangalore and Sr Metty Thomas, the Advocate from Hiriyur Convent. Mrs Brinda Adiga spoke on sociocultural aspects and language of patriarchal mindset and women who are brainwashed by thr present media/serials against women while Sr Metty spoke elaborately on women's rights.
Fr Roshan Pinto, in his speech, remarked that the women's day celebration shouldn't be restricted for day, but should be celebrated every day. He highlighted the women empowerment in the society in general and the church in particular.
There were large consignments from different parishes and mission centres from all over the diocese. There were close to 450 women participants for the celebrations. The following women cells represented their parishes and mission centres, namely, Shimoga Cathedral, Harihar, Kable, Thandagunda, Sagar, Jog Falls, Thirthahalli, Challekere, Channagiri, Hiriyur, Chitradurga, Don Bosco- Davanagere, Bhadravathi Old Town and New Town, Ragigudda and Sharavathinagar. Sisters in charge of Women Cells were also present for the colourful event.
Earlier in the day, the event began with an invocation to God followed by welcome note from Mrs Jyothi Maria. Mrs Sylvia Gomes from Sagar proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Josephine Nirmala and Mrs Seema Praveen compered in the program. Special thanks were offered to Fr Anthony Peter, the Parish Priest, for his generosity in availing the facilities, food and accommodation in the Minor Basilica campus for the participants. During the event, Sr Elize Lourdh was felicitated for her yeoman service for the women of the diocese and the promotion of women cells in the parishes and mission centres.