St. Bernadette Mission — Sunday Reflection
“The angel said to her, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.’”
— Luke 1:28
Thaiboosa 2025 — A Grace-Filled Gathering
Thaiboosa 2025 was prayerfully celebrated on Saturday, 13th December in Birmingham. This annual event is organised by the Great Britain Eparchial Women’s Forum and stands as one of the largest Catholic women’s gatherings in our Eparchy.
The word “Thaiboosa”, meaning Grace, beautifully reflects the grace-filled life of Mother Mary, the Heavenly Patroness of the Women’s Forum. The gathering is a powerful expression of unity in faith, and a joyful recognition of the vital role women play in the life of the Church.
Thaiboosa was formally inaugurated by Bishop, Mar Joseph Srampickal. Following keynote speeches, the Holy Qurbana was celebrated by Bishop along with many clergy from the Eparchy. The event welcomed the new team and featured vibrant cultural performances by women representing different regions within the Eparchy. It successfully highlighted the unwavering faith, dedication, and strength of the Syro-Malabar women in Britain, reaffirming their role as pillars of the Church and community.
Celebrating the Role of Women in Faith and Family
Thaiboosa celebrates the invaluable contribution of women as builders of faith within families and as partners in the integral growth of the Church. In today’s world, the unique dignity and mission of women are being increasingly acknowledged—something the Holy Catholic Church has long upheld.
The Church has always been at the forefront in recognising the dignity of women, particularly in honouring the sacred gift of maternity, which reflects God’s creative and nurturing love in the world.
Mary — Model of Faithful Womanhood
The presence of women in the family is called to mirror the salvific role of Mother Mary, who cooperated wholeheartedly in God’s plan of salvation through her dedication, humility, and loving service.
Through Mary’s motherly intercession, women are encouraged to discern their responsibilities, prioritise family life, and uphold Christian values amid the challenges of secular society. Each woman is invited to recognise her unique identity and God-given gifts, received through her vocation as a woman.
Only by embracing this identity can women participate fully and meaningfully in the mission and growth of the Church.
Passing on Faith to the Next Generation
Women possess a distinctive capacity to nurture and sustain moral and spiritual values, passing them lovingly to future generations. Their strength within the family is rooted in sensitivity, compassion, gentleness, and motherhood.
These virtues shine clearly in the life of Mother Mary—at Nazareth, Bethlehem, Egypt, Cana, Calvary, and Sehion—revealing her enduring witness of faith and courage.
Women’s Forum at St. Bernadette Mission
The Women’s Forum of St. Bernadette Mission actively participates in our parish life. Their dedication, especially through daily prayer intentions and rosaries, is a true blessing for our Mission community.
We warmly encourage all women of our mission to join the Women’s Forum, to grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service, following the example of Mary, our Mother of Grace.
