Women Lead St. Monica’s Feast Celebrations at Purnia Cathedral in Bihar

Purnia, Bihar, Sept. 1, 2025: The feast of St. Monica was celebrated with great devotion and spiritual fervour on August 31 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Purnia, Bihar. The celebration was historic, as it marked the first time that women of the diocese of Purnia took the lead in conducting and animating the sessions on the feast day.

In preparation for the feast, the Purnia Cathedral parish held a special day of recollection on August 30. Around 150 women from different villages belonging to the cathedral parish attend the recollection. Since March this year, under the able guidance of Rev. Sr. Lidwin Fernandes UFS, National Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Women, a core team for the empowerment of women in the Purnia diocese was formed. During the recollection, this team of laywomen from the diocese conducted sessions for the first time. The sessions focused on women’s growth and leadership. This initiative marked an inspiring breakthrough for the Cathedral parish community, aligning closely with the CCBI pastoral plan, “Mission 2033”. 

During the recollection, priests were available for confession, and all the women received the sacrament of reconciliation, purifying their souls and preparing themselves spiritually to celebrate the feast.

The programme featured two resource persons, Mrs. Meena Hasda and Mrs. Magdali, members of the diocesan resource team, who offered powerful reflections. Drawing inspiration from women of the Bible and the life of St. Monica, they highlighted her virtues and demonstrated how these qualities can be applied in everyday family life. The insights shared by the two resource persons inspired all the women present.

The highlight of the feast day celebration was the Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Francis Tirkey, Bishop of Purnia Diocese. Five other priests concelebrated the Mass alongside the bishop. A large gathering of the faithful participated in the service with deep devotion.

Following the Mass, an entertainment programme featuring games was held. The winners of the various games that were conducted were awarded prizes. The celebration concluded with an agape meal, fostering fellowship among all attendees.

This year’s celebration of the Feast of St. Monica in the Diocese of Purnia will be remembered as a landmark event—not only for its spiritual enrichment but also as a celebration of the women of the diocese who stepped into leadership roles for the first time, inspiring the community through their sessions.

By Sr. Prema Bara,

Coordinator,

Commission for Women,

Purnia Diocese