Mangalore: Bishop's Christmas Message Stresses on Home for the Homeless
 
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Dec 23: Conveying his Christmas wishes and message to people at Bishop’s House here on Friday December 23, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangalore said that Christmas is a festival spreading the message of social and humanitarian concern for the deprived sections in society.
 
Pointing out that even non-Christians celebrate Christmas, he said the fact that Jesus Christ was born in a shed itself denotes that humanity is the best value in the universe and that Christmas too conveys the same message. The homeless must be provided with shelter, he stressed.

Bishop in his message also noted that though the diocese is not against industrialization and development, it is opposed to the displacement of people caused by such industries, and also to the pollution resulting from them. Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ), ISPRL in Padoor are leading to displacement and also threatening the environment, a fact which has been highlighted by the media. Such negligent and anti-people approach is opposed by the diocese, he said.
 
Mangalore Diocese will celebrate its 125th year with a programme on February 11 and 12 in the city, he informed.
 
"Mangalore Diocese which is celebrating its 125th year has been implementing many projects among which construction of 160 houses for the homeless people is the foremost one. Already construction of 60 houses is underway and another 100 houses will be constructed in the coming days. Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) which is the social development wing of Mangalore diocese has constructed more than 2000 houses since the year 2000," he said.
 
The diocese is also planning construction of two student hostels for poor students from rural places who want to pursue higher studies in cities. Provision of free education for poor students in schools and colleges run by churches is also being planned, he said.
 
Mangalore diocese PRO Fr William Menezes, secretary of council of priests Fr J B Crasta, CODP director Fr Onil D’Souza, editor of Pingara weekly Raymond D’Cunha, Four Winds mass communication director E Fernandes were present.