Nearly 1,000 women from the hilly parishes and mission stations of northern Thailand gathered for the Annual Women’s Seminar organized by the Catholic Committee for the Development of Women, Diocese of Chiang Mai.
Held from March 14 to 16, 2025, the seminar carried the theme: “Moving Forward Together, Towards the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.”
Rooted in Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), the gathering emphasized the indispensable role of women in both the Church and society.
As the Pope stated: “The Church acknowledges the indispensable contribution which women make to society… We need to create still broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church. Because ‘the feminine genius is needed in all expressions in the life of society,’ the presence of women must also be guaranteed in the workplace and in various settings where important decisions are made.” (EG 103)
Faith, mission, and call to action
Sr. Lamduan Sricharoentrakul, chaplain of Chiang Mai’s Women’s Ministry, set the tone for the event, reminding participants that missionary discipleship is at the heart of Christian life.
She underscored the importance of proclaiming God’s love and working together to build a just and peaceful society inspired by the Word of God.
This year’s seminar provided a space for reflection, renewal, and unity, focusing on topics such as the Apostolic Messages for the Jubilee 2025 and Women’s Identity and Mission in the Church.
One of the key discussions centered on the rising threats of human trafficking—a crisis affecting vulnerable communities worldwide.
Talitha Kum Thailand, a Catholic network of religious sisters dedicated to fighting human trafficking, led these sessions.
Representing Talitha Kum Thailand, Sr. Marie Agnes Buasap, who has been playing a key role in the fight against human trafficking and child protection, also invited participants to unite in prayer for Pope Francis’ health and complete recovery, joining Catholics around the world in solidarity.
Fr. Peter Pattarapong Srivorakul, head of pastoral work in the region, shared his hope that this seminar would encourage a broader vision of women’s roles in the Church, moving beyond the traditional “father as head of the family” model.
“We hope to see more of women’s leadership, gifts, and contributions within the family and the Church,” he told LiCAS News. “It is important to stay with yourself, to allow God to guide you in the silence of your home.”
His words reinforced the seminar’s message: women’s presence in the Church is essential, not only in service but also in leadership and decision-making.
Women’s voices: Stories of faith and empowerment
The seminar was supported by nearly 50 religious sisters from various congregations, working together to create an experience of faith, service, and community.
For many participants, the gathering was a transformative experience.
Angela Pimpida Metheedanai, a university student, expressed her joy at witnessing women from different villages unite in mission: “Seeing so many women and priests working together with many sisters was inspiring. It showed me the power of community and faith in action. This experience encouraged me in my own journey as a disciple of Jesus.”
Another participant, Mary Sasithorn Boonnithi-apa, a future teacher, reflected on how the seminar deepened her understanding of women’s role in the Church: “We prayed, shared, and reflected together. It strengthened my faith and made me realize how essential women are in the Church’s mission. I feel empowered to help the next generation engage with society through acts of kindness, solidarity, and service.”
Throughout the seminar, speakers encouraged women to connect faith with action, exploring themes of compassion, vulnerability, hope, and love in service.
