Southern Indian Archdiocese Marks Women's Day

The Archdiocese of Madurai's Women and Youth Commissions celebrated Women's Day on March 19 in Tamil Nadu, India.

Sister Reeta Irudayam and Father Panner Raja, who organized the event, said that the celebration aimed to promote women and give them equal rights to participate in all church activities.

Vicar General, Father Jerome Eronimus, says women are influential in the church.

"Women take the initiative to accomplish many things in the world and their families too," he said.

The priest says that women are just as important as men in many countries regarding their abilities and work.

He added that it is essential to think equally, take responsibility, and change society.

"Equality must be our primary goal in life," said Father Eronimus.

"Equality for women in society must be realized in our daily lives," Father Peter Roy, the Procurator of the Madurai Archdiocese, told RVA news.

At least 150 women from each parish in the archdiocese participated in the event.

Participants in the celebration included professors from the university and former members of the women’s commission.

Commenting on the occasion, Kalai Arasi, a professor at Madurai Meenakshi College, said that Women’s Day celebrations should be daily life events.

"God has given the power to men and women," she said. "Those capacities can be used for the common good," explained Arasi.

According to former Women's Commission secretary Georgina Mary, women have more strength in their hearts. But they need opportunities to grow in society.

"Women will succeed in a world of competition provided they have better chances for equality, rights, and dignity," she concluded.