PANAJI
A new Diocesan Women’s Commission (DWC) was installed in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on Sunday.
The DWC was formally installed at a seminar in the Lar de Estudantes, Panaji, with a new committee being formed and responsibilities explained to the gathering. Director of the Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate Fr Jorge Fernandes welcomed the gathering and also read the General Guidelines of the new commission.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and equality.
Cardinal Ferrao outlined the three-year synodal journey of the Church, based on the pillars of Communion, Participation, and Mission, and declared that the Guidelines of the Diocesan Women Commission have been approved, along with the Vision-Mission statement.
The meeting brought together women from diverse professional backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Through a productive group discussion, participants shared their expertise and experiences, ultimately yielding effective solutions to drive positive change.
Elaine Dias gave a talk on ‘Motivation - The Legacy that breaths’, and explained, how women can move together in building gods kingdom.
Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes guided the participants, sharing his insights as a biblical scholar, emphasising how Jesus empowered women, citing the example of Mary Magdalene, and concluded his guidance with a meaningful acronym: W (Wealth), O (Optimism), M (Motivation), A (Appreciation), N (Nurturing).
The Diocesan Executive Committee and Zonal Co-ordinators were appointed on the occasion. The programme was compered by Myra, with Ninfa Da Silva later proposed the vote of thanks, marking a significant milestone in the journey of the Diocesan Women Commission.
