Funds Distributed to 20 Poor Families by Catholic Sabha Mluru Pradesh Episcopal City Deanery
Funds Distributed worth Rs 14 lakhs 50 Thousand to 20 Poor Families by Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh Episcopal City Deanery under House Construction Project
Mangaluru: Christmas- It’s All About Giving And Sharing! In his message last Christmas, Pope Francis said, “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light. But if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us, and around us. Whoever hates his brother — writes the Apostle John — is in the darkness; he walks in the darkness and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Give and you shall receive, so give generously- Love and care for the needy, you will all be truly blessed ”
While recalling the words of Pope Francis, “A Church must be poor and serve the poor”, we should celebrate Christmas by extending a helping hand to all those who suffer due to poverty. The concern of every religion and every community is to eradicate poverty. We Christians, have a special mission and responsibility in this regard. Christians should join hands with people of other religions too to wipe out poverty prevailing in society. Every person, especially the poor in the society deserves respect and dignity. Jesus had great love and concern for the poor, it is also mentioned in the Bible that the poor, sick and marginalized are very close to Jesus. Christmas celebration has meaning when we love the poor. Faithful should respect every person especially the poor and treat them equally and not discriminate them. Christmas celebration should inspire and motivate all to work for the poor
Yes, “Christmas is all about giving.” I totally endorse the truth about this statement. Giving is an act of love. The joy of being able to bless and give someone you care, and to make them smile, is priceless. Although Christmas is a festivity for the entire family, children also play an important role in it. And that’s when your participation will be strongly appreciated. There also many less fortunate families who need your help. Therefore keeping the poor families in their mind during Christmas, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh Episcopal City Deanery under House Construction Project, donated Rs 14 Lakhs 50 Thousand to 20 Catholic families ( two families from each Parish) during a programme held at Bishop’s House on Tuesday, 17 December 2019 at 5 pm.
The programme with invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address by Anil Lobo- Convenor and past president of the Sabha. Fr J B Crasta- Dean of Episcopal City Deanery & Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru, and Fr Aquin Noronha- Spiritual Director of the Sabha also spoke and briefed about the project, and how poor people are helped under the project. Then followed the funds/cheques distribution to members of 20 Catholic families (two from each parish), and they were also given a box of Christmas Kuswar. Following the group photo of the dignitaries on the dais along with the 20 receivers of funds, Bishop of Mangaluru Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha delivered his message.
In his message, the Bishop said, “We Catholics should have a Inclusive Mentality, where Jesus Christ has taught us to go out and help those in needs. And Christmas is the right time to share part of our wealth with the needy and the downtrodden. We shouldn’t live just for ourselves, instead live for others also. We need to help those who are badly in need of financial or other aid. And during Christmas we need to show the love and spirit of this Joyous feast towards the less-fortunate and poor. Jesus helped people who were poor, sick, and afflicted, some want to follow his example. They feel that the best time to do that maybe Christmas when charities often put forth extra effort to collect donations. And here we Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh Episcopal City Deanery members sharing the Christmas Spirit of sharing and giving”.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Patrick D’souza-the President of Catholic Sabha, and the programme was compered by Ms Noreen Pinto the Secretary of the Sabha. In conclusion, Let us follow in the footsteps of these members of Catholic Sabha who have done a great service by thinking of the poor families during Christmas time. And if you are thinking about doing something to help those less fortunate, Christmas season is the perfect time to open your heart and wallet to give back. The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others cannot be overstated. Knowing that you have helped make someone else’s Christmas a little bit brighter is a special feeling, and one that will last, with you even after the holidays are over. So if you are looking for a way to enhance your holiday experience, try giving back this year. You’ll be glad you did.
So this Christmas season let us all be little generous towards the poor, and also continue our generosity towards them during the forthcoming year too. We all can make a difference in their lives. Let us give to the less fortunate families and children a feeling of hope, and make their Christmas cheerful. Be Santas by cheering up the less fortunate children and adults in the true Christmas spirit of love and giving, and show them that you care. Yes, we all can do it! Wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, well in advance!
