Celebration
of International Women’s Day
8
March, 2016
The Commission for Women, Vasai Diocese celebrated International Women’s day on 8th March 2016. The event highlighted the atrocities and crimes against the Church andwomen in particular. The event sparked off with a peace rallyfrom ChimajiAppa ground to St. Gonzalo Garcia College with almost 800 women and men, shouting slogans and raising their voices against increase in the type of violence on women in the Church.
The
rally was followed by a short program on the college grounds. The Lamp was lit by Fr. John Fargose,
Chancellor of Vasai Diocese, Adv. Audrey D’Mello from Majlis, Sr. Natalia Sequeira
(SRA) from Mumbai, Sr. Hilda Fernandes, Director of Commission for Women and Ms Clara from Papdy Sr Hilda, welcomed the participants.
A
heart rending prayer dance was performed by the girls of Maria Sadan, Nirmal
followed by a short skit put up by the women from the different Parishes of the
Diocese on their refusal to cow down to violence in the Church.
The
chief guest Adv. Audrey D’Melloemphasized that women should be treated with
respect and dignity in all spheres. She
enumerated the laws to safeguard women’s rights and ensured that these are properly
and timely executed to ensure justice to the women and reiterated the role of
the Church in meting out this justice.
She also focused on the rising intolerance towards minorities in India
at this point in time.
Sr.
Natalia Sequeira shared her experiences while working in the mission stations;
how she had bravely confronted the attacks on the missionaries and the ever
challenging scenario in which a Christian woman is called to testify and stand
witness. Fr. John Fargosealso spoke
strongly against attacks on the churches in India and on the women and exhorted
each one to collectively raise a voice.
He pledged his support and commitment to alleviate crimes against women
in his own milieu.
Ms.
Briliana Lopes, the staff of Sakhya delivered the vote of thanks, followed by
the singing of the National Anthem.
