Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Feb 2: The foundation stone laying ceremony for White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home at Maroli here was held on Tuesday February 2.

The programme began with a prayer song by founder president of White Doves, Corrine Rasquinha. Bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza blessed the occasion and laid the foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "When Mother Teresa was honoured with a prestigious award, she dedicated the award to the people she had served. She had said, 'I want to make it clear that I am not a social worker, I am just a follower of Jesus Christ who has asked us to do what he has done. He served the poor and needy and told us to do what I have done'."

"This is being followed by the church by opening hospitals, educational institutions and rehabilitation centers and so on to serve the needy people who are hopeless and helpless. Corrine Rasquinha is also doing the same. There are so many rehabilitation centers and many more organizations of the diocese, because we are disciples of Jesus to continue his mission. Such good work can be continued only with the help of people of good will. Corrine was hunting for a place from 2 years. I felt it was a greatest need and thus I gave this land to White Doves, and am sure people who are on the streets will benefit from it. That is our joy. That should be the joy of people who will extend a helping hand to this organization. May the Lord bless them abundantly. I wish this good work continues and may blessings be upon all the people associated with this work."

Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo said, "This is a rare occasion where people from legislature, executive and judiciary have come together. This shows the nobleness of the cause. We all are witnesses to the service rendered by Corrine. On behalf of my government, I assure all support and cooperation."

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said, "The district administration has recognized the selfless service rendered by Corrine Rasquinha. I assure full cooperation from the district administration and the government to White Doves and wish all success in their noble cause."

Uma M G, district and sessions judge, Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru said, "I congratulate Corrine Rasquinha. A white dove is a symbol of peace and service. I wish that White Doves continues to extend a helping hand to the less privileged in the society. Let they serve more and more needy. I wish them all success."

Corrine Rasquinha welcomed the gathering, secretary and treasurer of White Doves, Jerome Coelho thanked the gathering while Sheldon Crasta compeeed the event.

Mangaluru police commissioner Chandra Shekar, director of FMMC Fr Patrick Rodrigues, mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, parish priest of Bendore Church Fr Antony Serrao and others were present.

About White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home

White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home is a home to treat people picked up from the streets of Mangaluru and surrounding areas. It is a 200 bed facility home with separate wards for male and female inmates and a well-equipped medical facility for doctors to treat the inmates. Round-the-clock service, a counselling room, a recreation room with indoor recreation facilities, a clean and hygienic kitchen and dining room are the other facilities that shall be available to the beneficiaries. The new Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home is expected to be completed in two years. This new building would cost about Rs 7.5 crore. A few donors have come forward to contribute to the cause.