Members of Divine Mercy Centre at St Anne’s Friary prepare Kuswar for a Good Cause
- Core Committee Members of Divine Mercy Centre- at St Anne’s Friary/St Francis Assisi, Jail Road, Mangaluru prepare Kuswar for a Good Cause. The money raised from the sale of Kuswar from 14- 25 December 2019, will be donated to the daily requirements of AIDS children at Snehasadan, Kinnikambala/Gurpura.
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
“We are the world. We are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day. We’re all part of God’s great big family. And the truth is that love is all we need. So let’s start giving, for it’s true, we’ll make a better day. Just you and me.” – These thought-provoking lyrics by the late pop-star Michael Jackson are quite fitting during this time of the year. 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 play an important role in it. Children do need love and caring during Christmas, but there are few kids who are less fortunate to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. And that’s when your participation will be strongly appreciated. There also many less fortunate families who need your help.
Therefore keeping children in their mind, the Core Committee members of Divine Mercy Centre at St Anne’s Friary/St Francis Assisi, Jail Road, Mangaluru have joined together in preparing delicious Kuswar, which would be sold from 14-25 December 2019, and the money raised from the sale would be donated to buy certain daily requirements of the AIDS children at Snehasadan, located in Kinnikambala/Gurpura, in the outskirts of Mangaluru. These Good Samaritans have been doing this kind gesture for the last two Christmas seasons, helping different orphanages/ashrams, with funds raised from the sale of Kuswar.
For those who wonder what KUSWAR is- Kuswar is a term often used to mention a set of unique Christmas goodies which are part of the cuisine of the Goan Catholic community of Goa and the Mangalorean Catholic community. There are as many as 22 different traditional recipes that form this distinct flavour of Christmas celebration in Goa and Mangaluru, even though Kuswar originated in Goa. Mangalorean Catholics’ Kuswar comprises of Neuero or Neuries ( puffs stuffed with plums, nuts, and fried theel (sesame) and sugar); Kidyo or Kulkuls (curly concoctions dipped in sugar treacle), Rice laddus and jaw snapping Goolios, among other items. And these ladies of Divine Mercy Centre, joined by a bunch of Capuchin Fathers are geared up in preparing Kuswar, with an aim to spread the joy of Christmas with the less-fortunate Children of Snehasadan.
“He that is kindly in eye will be blessed, for he has given of his food to the lowly one.” – Proverbs 22:9. 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. During Christmas time, many people are preoccupied with shopping, entertaining, and visiting friends and family. All of this leaves them with little time, energy, or money to attend to the poor and needy, other than perhaps making a donation.
Let us follow in the footsteps of these Capuchin Fathers and Divine Mercy Centre members who are doing a yeomen service by thinking of the less fortunate and poor during Christmas time. 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!
You Can Call St Anne’s Friary for more details on their sale of Kuswar: 0824 249 6733 or Fr Melwyn D’Souza (Director) 9482446419; Fr Victor 9480066341
