BIS #2591 WOMEN OF AHMEDNAGAR MISSION EMPOWERED

Briston Britto sdb
AHMEDNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011: Though women’s day falls in the month of March, Salesians of Ahmednagar mission decided to celebrate it on September 18.  As a part of the Silver Jubilee of the mission, a day for all the Catholic women of the three parishes was organized at St. Anne’s campus.  The chief organizer was Fr. Thomas D’Costa, Rector and Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Community.  His associates, in organizing the event, were Salesian sisters of Savedi under the guidance of Sr. Mangala FMA and the Mahila Mandal of St. Anne’s Parish.
 
The Melawa (gathering) was attended by hundred and seventeen women from all the three parishes.  The largest numbers of women were from St. Anne’s Parish being the host.  The day was full of activities.  After the welcome and invoking divine assistance, there was an informative talk by Advocate Mrs. Rasida Pathan who spoke about domestic violence and physical assaults and how one can approach and take police protection. After the talk, the Holy Eucharist followed, which was presided over by Fr. D’Costa the chief organizer of the event.  During his homily, he stressed on the value of empowering women for the betterment of the Church and the nation.  After the Eucharist, a fraternal meal took place which was followed by party games and some awareness songs. The audience was very enthusiastic as they watched the skits and songs which were based on the girl child. Sr. Mangala then gave a talk: Proud to be a woman.  She stressed the place of a woman in the faith-building of the family. 
 
At the end of the day, the winners of the different events were felicitated with prizes.  Women were thrilled and felt that they need to come together often to share views and address certain social issues.  The day was well organized. The organizers were congratulated and thanked for the job well done.  Thus there was a spark added to empower the Catholic women of Salesian Ahmednagar.