By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, May 26, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s (CBCI) Council for Women has expressed profound sorrow at the death of Sister Lilly Francis, a pioneering advocate for women’s empowerment in the Church and society. She passed away on May 23 in Nagpur at the age of 76.
Sister Francis, a member of the Sisters of Mary Mediatrix Immaculate (SMMI), served as Executive Secretary of the CBCI Council for Women from 2004 to 2011 and became the principal instrument in bringing out the Gender Policy of the CBCI.
She also served from 2017 to 2018 as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Women of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). The CCBI is the national episcopal conference of the bishops of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church in India.
Church leaders remembered her as a visionary who championed dignity, leadership, and participation of women in ecclesial and social life. Through her writings, seminars, and advocacy, she inspired thousands of women religious and lay faithful.
Her commitment, simplicity, wisdom, and missionary zeal left a lasting impact on generations, they said.
“Her tireless service, guidance, and pioneering efforts advanced the mission of women’s empowerment and participation in ecclesial and social life,” the Council said in a statement. “May the Lord whom she served faithfully grant her eternal peace and joy in His heavenly kingdom.”
Born in Kerala in 1949, Sister Francis pursued higher studies in social work, law, and theology in India and abroad. She obtained a postgraduate degree in social work and a law degree in Nagpur, studied theology at Santiago University in Chile, and completed further formation at Mater Dei Institute in Goa.
Her early missionary ministry included three years in Latin America, where she worked as a community organizer among the poor and marginalized.
In Nagpur, she founded the Vishwodaya Institute of Social Work and Women Development, serving as its director for 11 years. Through the institute, she promoted women’s development, counselling, social awareness, and community empowerment.
She also coordinated the Nagpur Diocesan Women’s Commission for seven years and contributed to prison ministry, interreligious dialogue, and pastoral counselling in the Archdiocese of Nagpur.
A prolific writer and speaker, Sister Francis authored seven books on women’s empowerment, peace, gender justice, and family life. She edited Magnificat, a magazine dedicated to women’s empowerment, and conducted seminars and training programs across India. Her contributions earned her the Single Women’s Achievement Award from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
The CBCI Council for Women joined the SMMI congregation, family members, and friends in prayerful remembrance of her as a trailblazer whose life embodied faith, justice, and empowerment and whose legacy continues to guide the Church’s mission of promoting gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership in India.
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