The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish joyfully celebrated Father’s Day on 21 June 2026 with a special Eucharistic celebration dedicated to honouring fathers for their invaluable role in nurturing and strengthening families.

The Holy Mass was beautifully animated by the parish youth under the guidance of Parish Priest Fr. Melwin D’Souza. As a mark of respect and gratitude, the youth warmly welcomed fathers at the entrance of the church, presenting them with badges before leading them in a solemn entrance procession alongside the celebrant, readers, and altar servers.

At the beginning of the celebration, the congregation reflected on the important vocation of fatherhood. Special appreciation was expressed for the sacrifices, commitment, and unconditional love that fathers generously offer in caring for their families and guiding their children.

In his homily, Fr. Melwin D’Souza drew inspiration from the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting God’s fatherly love as a model for every parent. He reminded the faithful that true fatherhood is reflected in mercy, forgiveness, patience, and selfless sacrifice. He also encouraged children to honour their fathers through love, respect, gratitude, and care.

The Prayer of the Faithful included special intentions for all fathers, asking God to bless them with wisdom, strength, good health, and steadfast faith. A special blessing followed, during which the fathers were blessed with Holy Water as the parish prayed for God’s continued protection over them.

Following the Mass, a heartfelt tribute was presented by the parish youth, expressing sincere appreciation for the dedication, courage, and unconditional love of fathers who tirelessly support and protect their families. Fr. Melwin D’Souza extended his Father’s Day greetings to all fathers and invoked God’s abundant blessings upon them.

The celebration concluded on a joyful note as parishioners came together in gratitude, recognising the invaluable contribution of fathers in building loving families and a strong faith community. The Women’s Commission joins the parish in appreciating and praying for all fathers, whose love and commitment continue to enrich family life and society.

By Mrs. Jaya Ragini Anthony
Editor, Women’s Commission
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Jaipur Diocese

REPORT

St. Xavier’s Parish Women cell
Activity of March 2024

8th March
Visit to Mother Teresa home, Pratap Nagar
On the occasion of International Women’s day ,the women of St.Xavier’s parish visited the Mother Teresa home, Pratap Nagar to spend some quality time with the special patients . A bus was arranged by the Parish priest for the parish women to commute .It was motivating to witness the dedication and compassion of the MC sisters .The parish women donated diapers ,veggies and some other needs of the patients . After spending few hours there ,we can proudly say that Mother Teresa's mission lives on, in Mother’s house .

24th March
Lent is that sacred time when we remember the depths of God’s love for us expressed in the mysteries of Passion, Death and Resurrection. A Lenten recollection and Adoration was organized by the Women cell of the parish .It was conducted by Sr.Marie James of M C home,C scheme.This recollection gave time to reflect on these mysteries and give thanks for the great and merciful love of God for us. Through prayer, reflection and silence, we hope to find renewal and meaning in our own experiences of death and life and let Jesus teach us what it means to be anchored in love and live in hope. During the Recollection which resounded with the invitation to “Pause” in order to look and contemplate, to “See” the real face of Jesus and to “Return” without fear, to experience the healing and reconciling tenderness of God.

Sr.Marie said the season of Lent is a time “to remedy the dissonant chords of our Christian life.

Breakfast and Lunch arrangements were made by the Women cell of the parish .

REPORT

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – March Activity

“A Strong Woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow as abundantly as her laughter. She is both soft and powerful, is both practical and spiritual. In her essence, a strong woman is a gift to the world”.

The Women Cell of St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura on 17th March 2024, organized a special felicitation programme for those women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

The liturgy for the day was conducted by the members of the women cell followed by felicitation programme. As a small token of appreciation, the achievers were presented mementos and gifts by Rev Fr. Moorthilal and Fr. Georgish Bitto. The achievers were: Ms. Mercy Thomas, Ms. Ritty Francis and Ms. Aishwarya Dexter.

The felicitation event for women in their professions was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in the workforce. It served as a reminder of the valuable contribution that women make to society and underscored the Church’s commitment to supporting and empowering women in their professional endeavors.

Shiny Jobin
Secretary
Women Cell of St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura

Report - St. Xavier Parish 2023 24

Annual General body Meeting on 8 March 2023.
March - Women's day Celebration on Parish level. (Total Liturgy by W.C)
April - Visit to Missionary of Charity home with vegetables and Cash on Good Friday.
May 31st - Ending the month of May by WC Pysam - sponsored by WC.
The Parish women cell organised a free medical health check up camp on the occasion.
July 31st - Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyala Active participation of the WC and presentation of token gifts to the Jesuits priests.
August 27th - Participation in the Feast Day celebration of St. Monica at Pastoral Centre, Ghat Gate.
Won two prizes , first was for most vibrant stall and second was for the maximum number of women participants from our parish (55)
September - A health care camp was organised.
8th September - Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and girl child day celebrations. All the girl children of the Parish were given a token gift by the women cell. Delicious payasam was served to all.
October 22 nd - Organised a medical Camp with the co-operation of doctors and medical team from Fortis Hospital.
October 29th - Active participation in the liturgy. Women Commission gave token gifts to the first Communicants.
December 3rd - Feast of Saint Francis Xavier . Women Commission gave gifts to all the Jesuit priests and took part in the liturgy.
January 7th - Parish get together. Entire function including snacks and lunch was taken care by women Commission including most of the prizes in sports and games.
March 5th - The Parish celebrated International Women's Day in the church on March 5th. The liturgy was conducted by the Parish women cell . The women of Parish had put up a stall to raise funds.

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – February Activity

Visiting the sick of the church is a practice rooted in compassion and care within many religious communities. Members of the church often visit those who are ill or in need of support to offer comfort, prayer, and practical assistance. These visits can provide emotional solace, spiritual guidance, and a sense of solidarity during challenging times. Visiting the sick of the church is considered a way to fulfill the biblical command to care for one another and show compassion to those who are suffering. It helps to create a sense of community and unity within the church, reminding members that they are not alone in their struggles and that they have a supportive network of fellow believers around them.

The Women Cell of St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura on 12th February 2024, visited the sick members of our parish along with Rev. Fr. Moorthilal and Deacon Vinod.

It was a thoughtful and compassionate gesture for members of the women cell to visit the sick members of the church. This act of kindness provides comfort and support to those who may be feeling unwell or in need of companionship. The women cell went and offered prayer for the sick individual. By offering their time and presence, the women demonstrate care and solidarity within the church community. Such visits can help uplift spirits, offer prayers, and show that the church values and supports its members in times of difficulty.

Shiny James
Secretary
Women Cell St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura

St. John the Baptist Church Lalarpura Women Cell – January Activity

“Women have been the backbone of mankind’s progress; their unwavering support and contribution helps in shaping a better world for all.”

The Women Cell ofSt. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura recognizes the significant challenges faced by the widows of our parish, who often find themselves in vulnerable and marginalized positions within society. Recognising the need to support these women, the cellorganised a program aimed at providing ration items to seven widows of our church to ensure their basic needs are met. The widows were called to the church and then essential items were distributed to them byDn. Vinod along with Women CellExecutives.

The provision of ration items for widows by the Women Cell marks a significant step towards empowering and supporting marginalized women of our parish. By addressing their basic needs, the program contributes to their overall well – being and improves their access to nutritious food.

This is the January activity executed by the Women Cell of St.John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura. The ration kits were contributed by the members of women cell.

Shiny James
Secretary
Women Cell St. John the Baptist Church, Lalarpura.

Father’s Day Celebration at the Cathedral Parish, Jaipur