Archdiocesan Women’s commission host SPARKLE at Friary Church

Bangalore, January 20, 2020: A multilingual program called SPARKLE aims to provide a platform for women in the parish to Connect, Communicate and Celebrate! SPARKLE program was blessed by Fr. Amal, the Dean and Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Friary, Madivala on 19 th January 2020, with the lighting of the lamp and a special prayer. The program was attended by over 120 participants including members of the Women’s Commission from other parishes.

Mrs. Lorna Lobo, Secretary of the Women’s Commission addressed the participants on the Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives of Women’s Commission and the focus areas. She encouraged the ladies to set up the Women’s Cell in the parish which would act as a platform to address the needs of the women and girls in alignment with the Objectives of the Women’s Commission.

Mrs. Brinda Adige, member of the W C core team and also a Human Rights Activist, spoke about the importance of the role of a woman in the family and stressed on the need for a change in mindset to ensure gender equality in society. This was followed by a panel discussion and Q & A.

Mrs. Priya Francis, member of W C core team, took them through an introspective activity on Self-awareness to engage in internal dialogue. Another engaging activity based on very focused questions with group discussion and presentation by participants on the topics that are relevant to women in our society, helped in debunking the myths and prejudices about women and their place in the family and society.

Key concerns expressed by the women were about the relationship with spouse and his family. Physical and emotional abuse. Too many restrictions.

Before concluding the program, participants were invited to give in their names for forming the Women’s Cell at the Parish. The W C members from the parish will help form the Women’s Cell in collaboration with the Parish Priest to design and initiate effective programs for the betterment of women in the parish.

SPARKLE is an exclusive program hosted by the women's commission under the Archdiocese of Bangalore and is dreaming to launch in more number of parishes in the days ahead. Please note: SPARKLE will be held on February 9, 2020 at Sacred Heart Church, Richmond Road, On February 16, 2020 at Ascension Church and On February 23, 2020 at Sr. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.