by Vinisha DSouza
Pics by Spoorthy Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network
Mangalore, Aug 29: To mark the post centenary Silver Jubilee of the Diocese of Mangalore, the Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza released a brochure highlighting the various projects at a press conference held at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, here on Monday August 29.
The main aim of the jubilee celebration being ‘Bringing Happiness and Joy into the life of the deprived and less privileged’, the Bishop released the brochure featuring the various projects planned on the occasion of the Post Centenary Silver Jubilee of the Diocese.
Giving main importance to the welfare of the poor and the under-privileged, the projects planned in memory of the jubilee are construction of over 160 houses for the poor, establishing two hostels for poor students from rural areas, providing free education for poor students up to PUC, erecting a shrine at Bajpe in memory of the visit of the Blessed John Paul II 25 years ago, setting up a museum at Rosario Cathedral on Blessed Virgin Mary and the origin and developments of Mangalore Diocese during the past 125 years, quiz on the history and development of the diocese which runs in 12 series to be carried in the Diocesan bulletin ‘Rakhno’ and bringing out a souvenir which contains the history of the diocese and information of all the 160 parishes in the Diocese.
The main project of constructing 160 houses for the poor i.e. one each in each parish, has already begun. The foundation stone was laid by the Bishop for the first house on July 24 2011 at Kelarai Church. Speaking about this project, Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul said that the houses to be built will be given to the family in most need of it irrespective of religion. Earlier, the housing schemes have been made effective to over 111 houses. Also the hostels to be built are for the most deserving and ambitious students, the top most priority being the Catholic students.
A jubilee committee with its sub-committees has been constituted to oversee the successful implementation of these projects.
So far medical relief funds of about 1.75 crores have been given out mostly for cancer, heart and kidney related ailments.
The total estimated cost of these projects is evaluated to be Rs 8 crores.
Speaking of the recent ban on having prayer meetings at halls, the Bishop said that the police had not contacted the Mangalore diocese authorities and that they had in no way influenced the decision taken by the police.
The jubilee year was inaugurated on February 6 2011 at Rosario Cathedral. The finale of the jubilee will take place on February 11 and 12 2012.
Vicar general of the Diocese Msgr Denis Prabhu, secretary of the Jubilee committee Sushil Noronha, PRO of the Diocese Marcel Monteiro, co-ordinators of sub-committees Fr Henry Sequira, Fr Onil D’Souza, Fr J B Crasta among others were present.