Seventy women and 20 men from 5 dioceses of the region participated in the Regional Conference on the theme “Paradigm Shifts in Vatican II and it Impact on Women” organized by Streevani Pune, in collaboration with Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM ) at the Shanti Bhavan Jharsuguda from 22-23 March 2014. It was inaugurated by Rev Fr Telesphore Bilung SVD Provincial of INE Province. The CRI president Sr Mary HM, Provincial Superior of Sneha Deepti Province welcomed all the dignitaries and participants to the conference.
The women and men present especially noted the theological and ecclesiological shifts that form a solid basis for equality and mission. As People of God we dreamed about a new way of being Christian women and men in the future – as mystical prophets, theological critics, political activists and religious who live a deinstitutionalized form of consecrated life. We shared and discussed intensively on various aspects of the theme and validated our own narratives of discrimination and abuse, resolved to act to reclaim the sacredness of our bodies, our lives, our suffering and ministries, our callings, and individual charisms. The presence of sisters Julie George SSpS, Virginia Saldanha, Fr Subash Anand , Fr Ajay Kumar Singh and Bp Niranjan Saul Singh Bishop of Sambalpur Diocese as a resource persons, who spoke on the topics -
“Paradigm Shift in Vatican II and its impact on women.
The Role of Women pre and during Vatican II.
Emergence and Assertion of Subaltern groups.
Impact of Church Documents on women post Vatican II.
Gender Policy as a Vehicle for Change –
Challenges and opportunities in being a Prophetic Church in a rapidly Changing society from a feminist perspective. Family, religious life and Social issues.
A Church of Equal Discipleship
Talks were followed by group discussions to point “Towards the Church of the future.”
The presentation of ICWM (Indian Christian Women’s Movement) and its vision for women in India was shared by Ms.Virginia and Sr Manjula Bara. Thereafter it was a felt need to form a regional group for Odisha. 20 women registered as members with Sr. Manjula Bara HM as the Coordinator.