Mangalore, July 25: Mangalore diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza laid the foundation stone for a house at Batrakodi (in Kelarai parish near Neermarga) on Sunday, to be constructed as a part of the post centenary silver jubilee celebrations of Mangalore diocese. The house is first one among the 160 houses the diocese has planned to construct for the poor. There are 160 churches in Mangalore diocese and the diocese has has planned to construct one house in each parish, after selecting a beneficiary.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone, the Bishop hoped that all the 160 houses would be constructed at the earliest. While thanking the sponsors for providing monetary help to the poor, the Bishop appealed the members of the public to contribute generously for the cause. The 125th year celebratrations began on February 5, 2011 and would conclude on February 5, 2012.
Giving details about the housing project, Vicar General Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu said that as per the housing scheme for the poor, the diocese will provide Rs 50,000 while the parish concerned will provide an equal amont and the beneficiary will have to pay a sum of Rs 1 lakh. In case, if the beneficiary is unable to pay the amount, then any sponsor can help them. In this case, as the beneficiary Diana D'Souza could not afford to pay the amount, sponsors like businessman Willam D'Souza came forward to help the beneficiary.
Diana D'Souza's husband John D'Souza (42) passed away in Bahrain on May 27, 2011, due to cardiac arrest. The couple's sons - Joshwa aged 7 and Joyston aged 3, were also present. John had left for West Asia just two years ago.
Kelarai Parish Priest Fr John Vas said that the beneficiary (Diana D'Souza) was selected for the scheme by the parish council and the land for construction of house has been donated by Diana's in-laws.
Other schemes
Giving details about the other schemes as a part of 125 years celebrations, CODP?Director Fr Onil D'Souza said that the diocese is also planning to construct a hostel to accommodate about 100 poor students and also to construct a memorial at Bajpe to mark the silver jubilee of the papal visit to Mangalore.
Souza Group of Companies Partners Gilbert D'Souza and Wilfred D'Souza and Committee Secretary Susheel Noronha among others were present.
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