Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 21: The state-level lenten campaign for the dioceses of Karnataka was inaugurated on Sunday, February 21 at St Anne Church, Thottam.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi inaugurated the campaign. The theme for this year is 'Campaign against Hunger and Disease' with the motto 'healthy life, healthy India'. The program is functioning across all the 174 dioceses in India. Meanwhile, the Karnataka region comprising of Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Udupi, Mysuru, Bellary, Beltangady, Mandya, Belagavi, Puttur, Mangaluru, Bhadravathi, Karwar, Chikkamagaluru and Gulbarga was inaugurated by Dr Gerald Issac Lobo.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Gerald Lobo said, "Caritas India is an organization of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) which is working for those in need without discriminating on the basis of caste, creed and religion. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Caritas worked for the underprivileged and provided them with help. For their service, the Government of India recognized Caritas' mission and honoured them. Pope Francis hopes to develop Catholic families. Beginning from March 19, 2021, to June 26, 2022, is dedicated to families. A thorough plan in this regard has also been drafted. In this Lenten season let us give utmost importance to prayer, fasting and donations. Let us try to sacrifice one meal on every Sunday of this season and donate it to the needy."
The campaign against hunger and disease practices five I's -- Immunity to stress, improved confidence, improved productivity, improved sense of physical health, and an improved sense of mental health. It also emphasizes healthy food habits, exercise, provision and importance of clean water and many other subjects.
KROSS Bengaluru at the regional level and SAMPADA at the Udupi diocese level has been entrusted with this campaign.
Lenten campaign donation box, lucky draw and donation covers were released on the occasion by the dignitaries.
Fr Sebastian Fernandes, director of KROSS, Bengaluru, Sr Zeeta D'Souza, co-ordinator, WEP Program KROSS, Robert D'Souza, state officer of Caritas India, Fr Reginald Pinto, SAMPADA Udupi, Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest, St Anne Church, Thottam, Leslie Aroza, director, commission for laity, Udupi diocese, Sunil Fernandes, vice-president, Parish Pastoral Committee, Priya Rodrigues, secretary, Shanthi Fernandes, convenor, 18 commissions and others were present on the occasion.