Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 15: Philanthropist Joseph Menezes and his family launched the Trinity Mannha Service, a charitable initiative in collaboration with Snehalaya Charitable Trust. The project aims to provide midday meals to caretakers of patients at Wenlock Government Hospital, Mangaluru, with an extraordinary commitment to sustain this service for the next 100 years.
On this occasion, the Menezes family also donated a vehicle worth Rs 12 lac to Snehalaya. The vehicle was blessed by Fr Joquem D'Souza and Fr Sunil D'Silva, parish priest of Sasthan Church. Joseph Menezes, Veena Menezes, Josveen and Shwetha Menezes, Nathan, Jason, and other family members, along with trustees and members of Snehalaya Trust, were present.
Fr Sunil D'Silva conveyed his good wishes for the project, saying, “Nathan is also celebrating his fifth birthday today. I wish him a happy birthday. Around one and a half months ago, Joseph Menezes texted me saying, ‘Abba, we must feed the hungry, and I am ready to share my birthday cake with the poor, keeping just one piece for myself to eat after feeding the needy.’ This gesture reflects the heart of the Menezes family. By donating Rs 3 lac monthly to support Snehalaya, Joseph and his family exemplify how beauty grows from within through selfless service. Their hard work and integrity are the foundation of this project, inspiring many others.”
Richard Menezes, Prakash Pinto, and Joseph Crasta, the founder of Snehalaya Trust, were felicitated for their invaluable contributions and philanthropic efforts.
Brother Joseph Crasta, in his thanksgiving speech, expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Running the midday meal project and caring for the mentally ill at Snehalaya requires significant resources. We also operate a de-addiction center. On my birthday, November 5, Joseph Menezes shared his long-term vision for supporting Snehalaya. Impressed by our Mannha project, he committed to taking over its operation entirely. The family’s unwavering dedication ensures that no one in Wenlock goes hungry, with organizations now covering meals in the morning and evening too. Although we may not be here for the next 100 years, this family’s commitment to the cause ensures its continuity.”
The fifth birthday of Nathan, grandson of Joseph Menezes, was also celebrated during the event.
Alwyn Andrade welcomed the gathering and compered the program. Ivonne Almeida and her team led the prayers, while Joseph Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.
The event was graced by the presence of Fr Romeo Lewis, parish priest of Christ Church Manipal; Fr Cyril D'Souza, chaplain of Snehalaya; Fr John Fernandes, parish priest of Holy Family Church Brahmavar; Fr Joachim D'Souza, Capuchin Heroor; Brother Victor Crasta of Nitte; Brother Joseph Crasta, managing trustee of Snehalaya; Prakash Pinto, trustee of Snehalaya; and Snehalaya team members Sarita Crasta, Lavita D'Souza, Veena D'Souza, and Melwyn.
Other attendees included Sanjay Sharma, director of Fortune Life Pvt. Ltd. Delhi and business partner of Joseph Menezes; Saju Mathew and Sisily Saju, parents of Shwetha Menezes; Richard Menezes and family; Lancy Sequeira and family, neighbors of the Menezes family from Loreto, Bantwal; relatives, friends, panchayat members, and parishioners.
The memorable program concluded with heartfelt gratitude and blessings.