Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 29: Bishop of the diocese, Peter Paul Saldanha, on August 29 disbursed financial aid to the first grant of needy students.

The programme was compered by Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP.

Fr Oswald first welcomed the bishop and all the students along with their parents who attended the programme. In his address to the gathering, Fr Oswald said that CODP, on behalf of Mangaluru diocese, disburses financial aid to needy students every year. Even though the collection was poor, the diocese contributed toward this cause.

Addressing the gathering, the bishop said that the catholic church is of the poor and for the poor. The CODP of Mangaluru diocese had organized a Lenten campaign to help the poor. Motivating the students to help other poor students by their contribution after they get jobs, he said, "A cheerful giver receives in hundredfold.”

Earlier, there was an awareness programme on COVID - 19 and cancer. Awareness on COVID - 19 was given by Fr Oswald Monteiro. Shilpa D'Souza, the coordinator of SPARSHA campaign took up a session on cancer awareness. She explained the signs and symptoms of cancer. She told the participants to give up tobacco, alcohol and junk food. An explanation was given to the participants regarding the early detection of cancer. She advised to consume organic food and also told them to grow vegetables in their garden.

Thereafter, the bishop disbursed education aid amounting to Rs 2,57,500 to around 53 applicants. Fr Vijay Lobo, the procurator of the diocese was also on the dais. Praveen, Philomena D'Souza, Osvita D'Souza and Veena D'Souza of CODP assisted in distributing the cheques and vouchers to the needy students.