Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) – "Violence against women is widespread in South Asia. There is a great poverty among women. In South Asian societies, prejudice and discrimination against women is the dominant culture. Religion, particularly the Catholic faith, is for women a way to regain their dignity, self-esteem, and identity" says Virginia Saldhana, Executive Secretary at the Office for the Laity and the Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). Saldhana was interviewed by Agenzia Fides, during a recent seminar of the FABC dedicated to women in South Asia.
Forum, held in Dhaka (in Bangladesh), and entitled "Women Living the Eucharist in South Asia," was attended by religious, lay, and predominantly Catholic women in the countries of the region. The seminar focused on the main problems affecting the status of women, encouraging local churches to respond with their own commitment to the challenges imposed by the lack of rights and dignity of women.
"We tried to explain to women that they should live the Eucharist with meaning: not only as a refuge for their suffering, but as a source of strength to work towards the human and social development of their condition," Virginia Saldhana told Agenzia Fides.
"Taking the initiative is risky at times. From the Eucharist, our women can draw the courage to be bread broken for others," she adds, as they explained the experiences told by several women during the meeting.
"We reflected on the life of the Virgin Mary and how she lived her life in the Eucharist. Her example had a powerful impact on all the women participating, who appreciated the model of Mary as a woman who continues to speak to them in the XXI century," said the FABC Secretary.
"Women are an essential part of the mission of the Church and for them to live the fullness of Christian life also means working so that their true dignity is upheld," said Saldanha.
"For our part, we want to encourage every local Church in Asia and recognize the vital role of women in the Church's mission: the family, community, church ministry, interreligious dialogue," she concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2010)
