The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Council for Women has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sr. Lilly Francis, a well-known advocate for women’s empowerment in the Church and society. She passed away in Nagpur on May 23 at the age of 76.
Sr. Lilly Francis belonged to the Sisters of Mary Mediatrix Immaculate (SMMI) congregation. She served as Executive Secretary of the CBCI Council for Women from 2004 to 2011 and played an important role in developing the CBCI Gender Policy. She also served as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Women of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) from 2017 to 2018.
Church leaders remembered her as a visionary leader who worked tirelessly for the dignity, leadership, and participation of women in both Church and society. Through seminars, writings, and training programmes, she inspired thousands of women religious and lay faithful across India.
Born in Kerala in 1949, Sr. Lilly studied social work, law, and theology in India and abroad. She also served in Latin America for three years, working among poor and marginalised communities.
In Nagpur, she founded the Vishwodaya Institute of Social Work and Women Development, where she promoted counselling, women’s leadership, and social awareness. She also worked in prison ministry, pastoral counselling, and interreligious dialogue.
A respected writer and speaker, she authored several books on women’s empowerment and gender justice.
The CBCI described her as a trailblazer whose life reflected faith, justice, simplicity, and dedicated service to society.
