The Commission for Health of St. Joseph’s Church, Bajpe, organized an informative seminar on “Women’s Health” on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Infant Jesus Mini Hall. The seminar was conducted by Dr. Shannon Francesca Fernandes, a renowned Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady.
The dignitaries on the dais were Rev. Fr. Andrew Dsouza, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Jesudas Dcosta, Spiritual Director of St. John Paul II Shrine; Rev. Fr. Vijay Monteiro, Assistant Parish Priest; Mr. William Cyril Lewis, PPC Vice President; Mrs. Juliet Moras, PPC Secretary; Mr. Stany Rodrigues, Parish Coordinator for the 22 Pastoral Commissions; and Dr. Shannon Francesca Fernandes.
The programme commenced with a prayer song, invoking God’s blessings upon the gathering. Mrs. Philomina Aravis, Parish Coordinator of the Commission for Health, welcomed the dignitaries, resource person and participants. Mr. Ashok Dcunha introduced the resource person, Dr. Shannon Francesca Fernandes, to the gathering, highlighting her professional background and expertise.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Andrew Dsouza highlighted the various health concerns faced by women in the present day and emphasized the importance of prevention and timely healthcare rather than depending solely on treatment after illness occurs. He also appreciated and congratulated the women who took time from their schedules to attend the seminar and prioritize their health and well-being.
The inaugural programme was followed by an insightful seminar by Dr. Shannon Francesca Fernandes, who comprehensively addressed women’s health across different stages of life, from girlhood to adulthood. She explained various health concerns and their symptoms and highlighted preventive measures that women can adopt in their daily lives. She particularly emphasized the importance of healthy food habits, positive lifestyle changes, responsible screen-time habits, self-examination and greater awareness of one’s health.
The session was interactive, with participants getting an opportunity to raise their health-related queries during a question-and-answer session. Dr. Shannon addressed their questions and provided valuable insights, making the seminar informative, practical and beneficial to the participants.
Mrs. Sunitha Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, dignitaries, organizers and participants for making the programme meaningful. Mrs. Gladys Dsouza efficiently compered the programme.
The seminar proved to be a fruitful and enriching initiative for the women of the parish, creating greater awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. The initiative by St. Joseph’s Church, Bajpe, and its Commission for Health reflected the parish’s commitment to the overall well-being of its women parishioners. The programme concluded on a positive note, encouraging every woman to value her health, recognize the importance of early awareness and prevention, and make her physical and emotional well-being a priority in everyday life.
