Diocese of Mangalore & Canara Organization for Development & Peace (CODP) disburses Education Aid to needy students and organizes SPARSHA awareness on Cancer and COVID 19 on 29 August 2020
Mangaluru: On 29th August 2020, Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese disbursed financial aid to the first grant of needy students. The programme was compered by Fr Oswald Monteiro, Director of CODP. Fr Oswald first welcomed the Bishop and all students, along with their parents who attended the programme. In his address to the gathering, Fr Oswald said that CODP, on behalf of Mangalore Diocese, disburses financial aid to needy students every year. Even though the collection was poor, the Diocese has contributed to this cause.
Addressing the gathering, the Bishop said that the Catholic Church is of the poor and for the poor. The CODP of Mangaluru Diocese had organized the Lenten campaign to help the poor. Motivating the students to help other needy students by their personal contribution after they get jobs, he said, the cheerful giver receives in hundredfold.”
Earlier, there was an awareness programme on COVID – 19 and Cancer. Awareness on COVID-19 was given by Rev Fr Oswald Monteiro. Ms Shilpa D’Souza, the coordinator of SPARSHA campaign, took up a session on cancer awareness. She explained the signs and symptoms of Cancer. She told the participants to give up tobacco, alcohol and junk food. An explanation was given to the participants regarding early detection of Cancer. She advised to consume organic food and also to grow vegetables in their garden.
Thereafter, the Bishop disbursed the education aid amounting to Rs 2,57,500/- to around 53 applicants. Rev Vijay Lobo, the Procurator of the Diocese, was also on the dais. Praveen, Mrs Philomena D’Souza, Ms Osvita D’Souza and Ms Veena D’Souza of CODP assisted in distributing the cheques and vouchers to the needy students.