Bombay Archbishop Urges Women to Embrace Synodal Journey at 21st Leadership Program

Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay has urged women leaders to embrace the Church’s synodal journey by listening attentively, remaining sensitive to the needs of others and becoming agents of positive change in their families, workplaces, society and the Church.

He made the call at the valedictory ceremony of the 21st Women’s Leadership Training Programme (WLTP), organized by the Archdiocesan Commission for Women of Bombay in collaboration with Sophia College, Mumbai, in western India.

The program, held from July 18 to September 6, brought together 45 women from parishes across the Archdiocese of Bombay. For the first time, the program included a Hindi-speaking batch alongside the English-speaking group, making the initiative accessible to a wider range of women in the archdiocese.

The training included weekend sessions at Sevadaan, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish in Chembur, and a special residential weekend at Vinayalaya Retreat House in Andheri.

Addressing the participants at the September 6 valedictory ceremony, Archbishop Rodrigues expressed appreciation for the work of the Archdiocesan Commission for Women in advancing the Church’s synodal journey. He encouraged the newly trained women leaders to contribute actively to the growth and mission of the Church.

The program sought to strengthen participants’ knowledge, confidence and leadership skills through sessions on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, financial management, artificial intelligence, basic counseling, public speaking, women and the environment, the Church’s gender policy, legal awareness and women’s health.

Dr. Sr. Patricia D’Souza, head of the Department of Psychology at Sophia College and guest of honor at the ceremony, encouraged the women to draw inspiration from Mary’s courage and conviction.

Describing Mary as a visionary woman who had the courage to take a stand, Sr. Patricia urged the newly trained leaders to become “beacons of light” in their communities. She also emphasized that self-care and self-empowerment are essential foundations for empowering others and encouraged the participants to work together for the common good.

The participants presented skits, songs and dances reflecting values emphasized during the training, including courage, confidence, knowledge, justice, service, compassion and leadership. They also shared testimonies about how the program had broadened their perspectives, strengthened their confidence and encouraged them to contribute more actively to their families, parishes and society.

Archbishop Rodrigues presented certificates to the participants, who were commissioned as women leaders. The ceremony concluded with a prayer, the pledge of the newly commissioned leaders and the singing of the Women’s Anthem.

The participants expressed gratitude to the resource persons and the organizing team led by Bernadine Fernandes, president of the Archdiocesan Commission for Women, for conducting the 21st edition of the leadership program