Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, May 12: Catholic Sabha’s central committee launched a food kit distribution drive on Wednesday May 12 at Bishop’s House here.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese, gave the go-ahead to the initiative, with a prayer.

Fr Mathew Vas, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha; Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld media; Stany Lobo, president, Catholic Sabha, Central committee; Raju Stephan Kumble, president-designate; Anil Lobo, chairman, MCC Bank; Steevan Rodrigues and Melrida Rodriguez were present.

Blessing the drive, the bishop said, “Due to the pandemic, thousands are suffering in every corner of the world. The governments are doing their best to reach out to people to help fulfill their basic necessities. Apart from the government, the NGOs, various communities and individuals, are also largely engaged in helping the needy. It is our duty to show some concern to our fellow beings who are in trouble. By this only we can prove we love each other and we thereby experience the existence of God. I wish all success to Catholic Sabha and its members for their food kit distribution drive. Their voluntary service during the pandemic is highly appreciable.”

Speaking on the occasion, Walter Nandalike said, “Catholic Sabha is already known for its social service. It has a strong history of charity works and reach out programmes. Now the entire society is in trouble because of the pandemic which has already gone out of control. Restriction methods like lockdown has made poor people’s life miserable. But to save the lives of people, the government is forced to take some strict actions. This time, the society wants social service units like Catholic Sabha and others to serve people based on general priorities. I think Catholic Sabha has taken the right step at the right time.”

Stany Lobo said, “In the first phase, we are planning to distribute 1,080 kits to the needy. The same number of kits will be distributed in the second phase. We are not stopping the drive anytime soon because the aftermath of the government restriction will be present for many months. So I request people who can donate, to come forward and join us.”

Alphonse Lobo, secretary, welcomed the dignitaries and comprred the event.