Sthri Adiveshan at Derebail Church 

Sthri Adiveshan at Derebail Church 

The Catholic Sabha Derebail unit celebrated the International Womens day 2022 in an unique manner on Sunday, 20 March, 2022. In line with this year's theme 'Gender Equality today for a  Sustainable Tomorrow' , it was decided that the March month  meeting of the Catholic Sabha shall be conducted by the women, exclusively,  with the men sitting in the audience. 

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Sheela D'Souza,  Vice President,  Catholic Sabha Derebail unit flanked by Ms Dora D'Cunha, Secretary, Ms Vilma Monteiro, Treasurer, Ms Juliet D'Silva,  Immediate Past President,  Ms Celine Correa,  Sthri Hitha Sanchalaki and Ms Pramila Furtado,  Joint Secretary.  The Spiritual Director's post, held by the Parish Priest, was taken over by Rev Sr Tereza Bernice Coelho,  Superior, St Ann's Convent, Kuntikan.  Ms Sheela D'Souza conducted the session as per the day's agenda and Rev Sr Bernice delivered the Spiritual Director's address.

Catholic Sabha President,  Mr Anil Patrao, Rev Fr Austin Peris,  Parish Priest and Spiritual Director,  Rev Fr Gerald Pinto,  Asst Parish Priest,  Mr Wilfred Alvares, President,  Catholic Sabha City Varado  were part of the audience, among others.

In the second half of the programme,  5 ladies from the parish were honoured for their achievements. They are Rev Sr Tereza Bernice Coelho for completing 50 years in the service of the Almighty - in the order of the Sisters of St Ann of Providence. Ms Mary Ram Vas, Gollachil ward for completing 50 years in the service of Humanity  - nursing. Ms Sheela D'Souza, Konchady  ward,  for being elected as the first woman Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council of Derebail church in its history of 80 plus years.  Ms Jecintha Mascarenhas, Gollachil ward, for being awarded the National Florence Nightingale Nurses Award by the Karnataka Government.  And,  Ms Preema D'Souza, Highway ward for winning the Diocesan level Elocution competition in the women's category for consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. 

Rev Fr Austin Peris delivered the felicitatory address.  M/s Cyprian D'Souza,  Jeevan Miranda,  Francis D'Souza,  Jerry and Anil Patrao rendered the felicitation song. Ms Preema D'Souza spoke on behalf of the honorees and thanked Catholic Sabha for the honour and also stressed on the need for sensitising the  men  right from their childhood, in  their homes, towards respecting women as equal. Ms Dora D'Cunha proposed the vote of thanks.

Report by: Anil Patrao
Pictures: Simon Pereira