Media Release
Karkala, Oct 1: On the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the commission for migrants of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, organized a deanery-level migrants convention on September 29. The event, aimed at addressing the issues and challenges faced by migrant workers, commenced with an ice-breaking session, followed by a prayer song performed by YCS members.
The formal stage programme was presided over by Fr Larry Franklin Pinto, assistant parish priest of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur. Other dignitaries present included Fr Steevan D'Souza from the Allahabad diocese, Elroy Joy Crasta, coordinator of the migrant commission, Udupi diocese, Santosh D'Silva, vice president of the parish council, and Richard Pinto, coordinator of the migrant commission, Attur.
Richard Pinto welcomed the gathering, and Fr Steevan D'Souza delivered an insightful address on faith and the role of Jesus Christ in the lives of the participants. Elroy Joy Crasta highlighted the rights of migrants and discussed key issues such as financial management, the impacts of substance abuse, and its effects on families. Santosh D'Silva also addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of community support for migrants. The event was compered by Deacon Valesh Aranha, SVD.
An open forum followed, providing migrant workers with the opportunity to voice their concerns, discuss their living conditions, and share their experiences. To engage the participants, the YCS members organized creative games and action songs, with prizes awarded to the winners. Each participant received a memento, sponsored by a well-wisher, as a token of remembrance.
The convention concluded with a Holy Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Melwyn Sequeira, SVD, along with Fr Denis D'Souza, Deanery director of the commission for migrants, and Fr Larry Pinto.
In his closing remarks, Fr Larry Pinto thanked everyone for their contributions to the success of the event. The programme concluded with a lunch provided for the participants. A total of 73 migrant workers benefitted from the convention.