Media Release

Shivamogga, Sep 18: The devastating floods in the state of Karnataka in the first and second weeks of August 2019 ruined the happiness of thousands of families. Several poor and marginalized families lost their property, houses, household articles, agricultural crop, etc. The situation in the district of Shivamogga was no different. The unexpected event brought miseries to several families in the district.

As an immediate response, the diocese of Shivamogga through the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) provided relief materials to 485 most deserving families. However, this temporary relief did not wipe out the tears of those who lost their houses partially or fully.

Understanding the plight of the people who lost their houses, the archbishop of Bangalore plunged into action and started mobilizing funds for the rehabilitation work. Archbishop Dr Peter Machado’s love for the poor and marginalized and an ardent desire to provide support to the victims was well accepted by all the priests, religious communities, educational institutions and the people of goodwill of the archdiocese of Bangalore. Because of the abled leadership of archbishop Peter Machado and the meticulous planning of the archdiocesan team, the archdiocese of Bangalore mobilized enough funds to construct 49 new houses for the flood victims in six dioceses of Karnataka and one diocese in Kerala.

The archdiocese of Bangalore extended the generous financial support to the diocese of Shivamogga resulting in the construction of seven new houses in different parts of Shivamogga. The newly constructed houses were inaugurated and handed over to the beneficiaries.

Ranjitha V R from Suguru, Shivamogga taluk living with her husband and three children was donated a house by the archdiocese of Bangalore.

Uma from Annanagara, Shivamogga living with her three sons. Her husband deserted her long back was donated a house by St Joseph’s College Institutions, Bengaluru.

Annu, a widow living in J P Nagar, Shivamogga along with her two sons and four daughters was donated a house by the congregation of the Sisters of St Charles Borromeo.

Vanajakshi, a widow from Kumsi in Shivamogga taluk living with her two sons was donated a house by Infant Jesus Shrine, Bengaluru.

Nagarathna from Halkuni in Shivamogga taluk living with her husband and daughter. She lost her son two years back due to accidental drowning in a pond was donated a house by St Joseph’s College Institutions, Bengaluru.

Bhavani, a widow from Hasudi Farm in Shivamogga taluk lives with her son, two daughters and two grandchildren, was donated a house by St Germain’s Academy, Bengaluru.

Ranjitha, a widow from Nagar, Hosanagar taluk, Shivamogga district, living with her three little children was donated a house by Cluny Social Service Trust, Kannur and Society of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Nagavara, Bengaluru.

The archbishop of Bangalore along with the bishop of Shimoga, Dr Francis Serrao SJ inaugurated the houses in the presence of Fr Joseph Menezes representing Infant Jesus Shrine, Bengaluru, Fr Francis D’Souza SJ representing St Joseph’s College Institutions, Bengaluru, Fr Christopher representing St Germain’s Academy, Sr Wilma Rebello SCB, provincial of St Charles Borromeo and Sr Sirija Pushpam representing Cluny Social Service Trust, Kannur and Society of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Nagavara, Bengaluru. Fr Joseph Naveen Kumar, the director of Bangalore Multipurpose Social Service Society (BMSSS), Bengaluru and Fr Cyril Victor from the archdiocese of Bangalore were present.

The support from the archdiocese of Bangalore was routed through Caritas India, New Delhi, the official development arm of the Catholic Churches in India. Robert D'Souza, state officer from Caritas India for Karnataka was also present during the inauguration.

The beneficiaries profusely thanked the archbishop, the archdiocese of Bangalore, Caritas India, diocese of Shimoga, SMSSS, Shivamogga and all the donors for generously supporting them to construct new houses.

Adding to the above floods rehabilitation activities, Caritas India, New Delhi extended support to repair 33 partially damaged houses in Shivamogga. SMSSS, Shivamogga identified the neediest families and helped them to repair their houses. These families are also grateful to Caritas India and SMSSS for supporting them.

Donors who have taken the part in the program, appreciated the diocese of Shimoga and SMSSS, Shivamogga for guiding and supporting the beneficiaries to construct the new houses.