Inauguration of Educare Fund at CODP, Mangaluru
Mangaluru: On September 16th, 2024, the Mr. Michael D’Souza and Family Educare Endowment (Revolving) Fund was inaugurated at Mother Theresa Hall, CODP. The program was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, along with Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza, Educare Committee Advisor; Mrs. Flavia D’Souza, spouse of Mr. Michael D’Souza; and Mrs. Nisha D’Souza, daughter of Mr. Michael D’Souza.
The program began with a prayer song led by CODP staff. Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP, welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests on the dais. Mr. Michael D’Souza’s family handed over a symbolic endowment fund, which was received by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Coordinator of Educare.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha then handed over cheques for interest-free loans to poor but intelligent students from the Mangalore Diocese. This was followed by a felicitation program conducted by Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, where shawls and garden plants were presented to Mrs. Flavia D’Souza, Mrs. Nisha D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza, Mr. Stephen Pinto, Mr. Oswald Rodrigues, Mr. Henry D’Souza, and Prof. Lionel Aranha, who have contributed to CODP’s socio-economic development.
Mrs. Nisha D’Souza, daughter of Mr. Michael D’Souza, thanked her parents for being role models in uplifting the poor. She mentioned that her parents have nurtured values of social service and charity throughout their marriage, which their children emulate.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha recalled Jesus Christ’s mission to the poor and praised Mr. Michael D’Souza and his family for their philanthropic works. He encouraged students to be grateful for the interest-free loans and to repay them systematically to maintain the revolving loan fund.
The program was compered by Mr. Richard Alvares, a member of the Educare Committee, and Mrs. Reena D’Costa, Coordinator of Educare, proposed the vote of thanks. A total of 84 students will receive Rs. 74,42,000, and refreshments were served to 300 beneficiaries.
