Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 2: St Christopher Association will celebrate its golden jubilee on August 6 at Don Bosco Hall, informed former president of the association Sushil Noronha.
Addressing media here on Wednesday, August 2, he said, “Mayor Kavitha Sanil will inaugurate the golden jubilee celebration, bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, chief post master general Karnataka circle Bengaluru Charles Lobo, MLA J R Lobo, and chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza will grace the occasion. On August 13, newly constructed houses for the poor and office will be inaugurated at Modankap.”
“St Christopher Association started in the year 1967 with only 132 drivers from the Christian community, with the blessings of then bishop Basil S D’Souza, under the guidance of Msgr Fedrick Pereira and spearheaded by J Alfonso Fernandes. This association came up with the motive of overall and social development of the members of the association and their families. During the year 1981, a hostel was constructed for poor students and workers who come from far off places. At present, there are 55 people residing in the hostel. Under this association, MACO Society and petrol pump was started in the year 1975,” he informed.
“Our association also distributes books to the children of the members and also provides loan for their higher studies without any interest. The association also provides death benefit fund in case of death of any members or their family,” said Noronha.
“Our association is involved in several service programmes. This year, we have provided wheel chairs to Wenlock hospital, and spectacles and eye check up was done for 200 people,” he added.
“We have also planned to construct a bus stand for the public, renovate St Christopher hostel which is 35 years old and construct houses for poor families,” concluded Noronha.
Spiritual director Fr J B Crasta, secretary Nigel Pereira, president Harold D’Souza and secretary J Alfonso Fernandes were present.