The Archdiocese of Imphal, Manipur, northeast India, celebrated "Girl Child Day" at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Imphal, on September 25.
The program began with a Holy Mass for children, which was presided over by Father Solomon Thezii, chancellor, Archdiocese of Imphal.
More than 300 Catholics participated in the Holy Eucharist.
The Parish Women's Society organized it to show the importance of caring for and loving girls in every family. It was also to honor the contribution of a girl in every sphere of life.
It reminded and encouraged public awareness and the need to support children in every sphere of life, which can strengthen and encourage them in battling against all odds of life.
In his homily, Father Solomon wished all the girl children present in the Mass and explained the story of why Girl Child Day was celebrated.
He further pointed out how child marriage was illegally practiced in India and the world.
The priest also reminded the participants about the theme for Girl Child 2022 being "Digital Generation’’ and narrated the story of Blessed Carlos Acutis (1991–2006).
Acutis was an adolescent English-born Italian Catholic who dabbled in computer programming. Before his death, he was best known for his website, on which he documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world.
A short program was held after the Holy Mass, simple yet meaningful. During the program, all the girl children were presented with a gift by the Women's Society of Cathedral Parish.
The gifts were blessed and presented by Father Solomon.
After the gift presentation, a short exhortation speech was given by Sister Archana Clare Ngade, FCC, Director of women's and children's commission, Archdiocese of Imphal.
She requested all the girl children to have a novena from September 25 to October 25.
She further explained the novena to the children, urging them to pray for their parents, siblings, and grandparents.
The nun requested the parents present at the event to support them in this novena.
Moses Moni Kom, a parent, who was present at the event, said, "It was the first time he attended the program organized by the Women's Society of St. Joseph's Cathedral. It is an interesting event that he came to know that there is no difference between boys and girls in the field of education or equality in education."
He is hoping for more such events in the future, he said.
Florina Niangdeiithuom Zou, a 9-year-old from Cathedral Parish who attended the event and received the gift, said it was meaningful and joyful because it gave her a wonderful day.
"The Girl Child Day celebration gives importance and encourages girls to prosper and progress in society," Zou added.
"A girl child will feel happy, blessed, and proud in the future as they mark the day. Besides, parents acknowledge their child and encourage her to do more and achieve greater heights in society," said Ts Christina Monsang, information secretary of the Women's Society.
She added that the women's group took the initiative as per the directive from the Archbishop’s House and advised the Church to conduct the Girl Child Day in the Cathedral's Parish in collaboration with the Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal. - Tungthang Zou
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