Kolkata: It was a defining moment for the century-old Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB) on September 2 when Angelina Mantosh became its first woman president.
Mantosh was elected after CAB’s annual general meeting, along with another woman member, Ofelia Kaisar, who was chosen secretary of India’s oldest laity (non-ordained) organization, established in 1911.
“It took 107 years for a Catholic body to recognize that women have more-than-equal contribution to make towards the church and society,” noted Father Rodney Borneo of the Archdiocese of Calcutta. According to him, the fact that both the president and secretary in the newly formed committee are women falls in line with Pope Francis’s motto of inclusiveness. “The Pope has been stressing that all sections of the society, especially women, should march towards a greater progress,” the priest told The Times of India.
Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta, too, welcomed a woman making it to the coveted position. “I was present at the elections on Sunday, to witness this historic event. As far as I know, Angelina is the first woman president of the organization.”
Father Devraj Fernandes, priest of Our Lady of Happy Voyage Church and editor of the city’s Catholic newspaper ‘Herald’, said, “Women members of the laity have been playing a crucial role in the church’s service. It is indeed a very important development.”
Mantosh’s team’s swept the CAB polls. Michael Lindsay was elected vice president 1 and Ronnie Martin vice-president 2 and Colin Fitzerald became the honorary treasurer.
Speaking to Times of India, Mantosh said, “I shall make the most of my new position to contribute more to the Church and society. My team and I have resolved to bring changes in the CAB, including voting rights of all life members, transparent amendment in the constitution and a financial accounting manual.”
(Source: Times of India)