Pavoor Uliya, Mangaluru | July 27, 2025 — In a significant stride towards uplifting women in remote communities, the island of Pavoor Uliya witnessed the launch of the Pavoor Uliya Women Empowerment Mission following the Sunday Eucharistic celebration. This transformative initiative was inaugurated under the pastoral guidance of Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, and brought together around 29 island families, marking the beginning of a new chapter in community-driven development.
This collaborative mission is spearheaded by the Diocesan Commission for Women, in partnership with the Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP) and St Aloysius Deemed to be University, aiming to foster awareness, skill development, and leadership among women in this geographically isolated region.
The program commenced with a heartfelt welcome by Rev. Fr Fredrick Braggs, Parish Priest of Pavoor Uliya, who hailed the initiative as a “divine intervention” that aligned with his long-standing vision for the island. “This is a blessing from Infant Jesus, our patron,” Fr. Braggs affirmed, urging the community to embrace the mission with faith and commitment.
Mrs. Anita Frank, Secretary of the Commission for Women, delivered the keynote address, clearly articulating the mission’s objectives. She emphasized the need for self-reliance and internal empowerment, stating, “Our true wealth lies in our own hands — in our skills, ideas, and collective energy. We must rise above dependence and harness what we already possess.”
Adding further depth to the event, Mrs. Irene Rebello delivered an impassioned motivational talk, urging women to reclaim their confidence and value. “When we move from ‘mine’ to ‘ours,’ we unlock divine power through unity,” she shared. “Let love, harmony, and kindness guide our path — for we enter and leave this world with nothing but the legacy of how we lived.”
One of the key milestones of the gathering was the formation of the Pavoor Uliya Women’s Cell, which saw the enthusiastic enrolment of 22 members. The following were elected to lead this grassroots movement:
Secretary: Mrs. Olivia D’Souza, Joint Secretary: Mrs. Lavina D’Souza, Treasurer: Mrs. Leeda D’Souza, Committee Members: Mrs. Sweety Sonia, Mrs. Flavy Winni D’Souza, and Mrs. Carmine D’Souza
The session was also graced by Mrs. Anita Lobo, Mrs. Usha Fernandes, and Mrs. Mercy Menezes, executive members of the Women’s Commission, who expressed their ongoing commitment to walking alongside the women of Pavoor Uliya in this transformative journey.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic and energetic note, symbolizing hope, unity, and the beginning of sustained progress. The Women Empowerment Mission in Pavoor Uliya stands as a shining example of the Church’s mission to uplift the marginalized, and a powerful reminder that with faith, unity, and action, change is not only possible — it is inevitable.
