Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 27: “We may think of the poor simply as the beneficiaries of our occasional volunteer work, or of impromptu acts of generosity that appease our conscience. However good and useful such acts may be for making us sensitive to people’s needs and the injustices that are often their cause, they ought to lead to a true encounter with the poor and a sharing that becomes a way of life.” Said Pope Francis on November 19, the day declaring World Day of the Poor and urged all to make a meaningful celebration on that day that truly expresses our love and concern to the poor.

Following the message of Pope and showing more concern about poor Canara Organization for Development & Peace (CODP), the Mangaluru Diocesan organization also decided to engage new programmes for poor. Since its establishment, CODP has always held the poor at its focus .The Christian charity was foremost concern of CODP. It has been a symbol of church of the poor and for the poor. Poor are always welcome in the institute.

So far all the developmental and charitable works of CODP were supported by some donors and head quarters of the church. But since 10-15 years, these agencies are out of this region as this is considered to be developed region. However this region still has poor and needy that needs care and support. Especially many people are still lacking finance for medical facilities, education and shelter.

Prabha Patrao, the zonal manager of Corporation Bank formally inaugurated the Family Sponsorship Programme, the new initiative of CODP by lighting the lamp. She appreciated the programme and promised her support. Fr Oswald Monteiro handed over a lighted candle to her. 

 “Many people, families are visiting our office seeking the financial help for medicine and education. Though we have a separate programme for education. But in the case of medicine and shelter, we do not have sufficient funds. We have a small shopping complex in front of our office. Whatever we receive from this in the form of rent, we are distributing it to needy. But with these small amounts we cannot help all needy people. So after many discussions about this issue, we decided to introduce a new programme.” said Fr Oswald Monteiro, Director CODP, speaking during the inauguration programme.

“There are generous philanthropists in our community who are willing to share their goodness with the poor brethren. Many are contacting us regarding this. Some do it secretly without any publicity. So CODP would like to start a new programme of family sponsorship with the help of local and sponsors of community. We have asked the parishes to identify most needy families and to send us their profiles. Their details will be available in our website www.codpindia.com .We request donors or sponsors to go through the details and come forward to help them by choosing the families for your choice,” Fr Oswald added.

Kavitha Sanil, the Mayor of Mangaluru lauded the tradition of celebrating the feasts of all religions by CODP. She said, “We did not come to this world as followers of any religion. It was given to us. However these religious practices should unite us to establish a peaceful society,”

For keeping transparency, CODP will not be handling any monetary transaction .It only be presenting the case studies and their requirements in their website portal. However the monitoring and assessment of the progress of the families will be done by them.

CODP appeals to generous philanthropists, donors and who have concern about needy to be part of this family sponsorship programme. CODP will provide the contacts and bank account details of the families which sponsors select. Thereafter, sponsors will be dealing with the families directly.

For more details readers can contact below address.

Canara Organisation for Development and Peace
Kadri Hills
Nanthoor, Bejai Post
Mangaluru - 575 004
DK Dist, Karnataka
Tel: +91-824-2221580, 2222004, 2221109
Fax: +91-824-2222004.