Robancy A. Helen

My deepest desire for every girl born in India today is simple: that they know they are wanted. Wanted, not only at birth, but also in classrooms, public spaces, leadership, and in the future of this nation.

"Let us pray and commit to protecting the dignity of every girl," writes Sr. Robancy A. Helen. "Let's create a society where girls are not viewed as burdens but as blessings."

I had to wait for eight years to make my perpetual vows. These vows committed me to Christ forever. In the words of St. Paul, I was ready to lose everything to gain Christ.

It would be appropriate to treat women and men equally in terms of dignity and respect. That is our desire — to see a just and inclusive society, writes Sr. Robancy A. Helen.

We understand God's love better in our time because of the many good Samaritans around us. It is in helping the needy, poor and marginalized that we can lead a holy life, imitating the acts of Jesus' love.

Sharing in Mary's motherhood makes me happy. I never begin my day without speaking to her. Even in utter loneliness and pain, I experience her comfort and love.

All Souls' Day is observed Nov. 2. We believe we will all return to God and be judged according to our deeds. Death becomes meaningful when anchored in the hope of resurrection. Jesus is our way to reach our destination.

From the beginning, God has seen women as co-creators. And if we are truly driven by our belief in Jesus, we cannot remain silent about the status of women in society, or the practices that suppress and dehumanize women.

A love for reading about the saints led to an appreciation that St. Augustine's life provides a clear example of how God the Father is kind and gentle. 

Sometimes we wonder if it is worth living religious life. For those who feel religious life is a burden, recollect the moments when you experienced love and happiness from God. Think of people as our co-pilgrims in mission.

Human beings tend to doubt everything even when they believe in God. Sometimes, our doubts and agnostic beliefs help us trust God and God's work in our lives. 

The Catholic Church teaches us that Sts. Peter and Paul are the two key pillars of the church, and we celebrate their feast on June 29. The lives of these two pillars of the church teach me to carry my cross for Jesus.

We need to create a mother-friendly and child-friendly environment because the church should be a place where people come to find solace and peace for all their problems. It should be a "mother's house" for all people. 

I am so grateful for Sister Bridget's friendship and pray that God continues to bless all these women and men of God who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to the service of others.

It is a hardcore reality in India that most rural women face a lot of challenges. Jebamalai Mary is a single mother who shows that such oppressed women can rise up and prove their worth, dignity and respect.

Womanhood is a gift to humanity. Women of the world give life to others with love, sacrifice and commitment, no matter where they live and what they do. They are an embodiment of God's love for others.

Christianity, though born out of bloodshed and pain, embraces peace and fraternity, hope and harmony. It shows concern for others, reaches out to the needy. 

In the St. Alphonsa youth group for young women at our parish in Karumandapam, I serve as animator, trying to guide them and be a friend and empowering them to be the "now of God," as Pope Francis called young people at World Youth Day last year.

Each of us is responsible for fulfilling God's unique plan for us. As years went by and I tried to discern God's plan, I had the opportunity to work for the so-called "untouchables" of Indian society, the Dalits.