Mangalore Diocese News

By Sr Anna Maria BS

Mangaluru, Dec 21 : The SVP unit of St Antony Church, Fermai laid the foundation stone for 6 houses for the poor at 10.00am at Abbettu on 21st December 2021. The facility to buy the land at a cheaper rate for the housing purpose was provided by the SVP unit of Fermai parish.

Sr Anna Maria BS, one of the Housing Project committee members introduced the beneficiaries to the gathering. Rev Fr Louis Cutinha, the Parish Priest of St Antony Church, Fermai conducted the Introductory prayers. Rev Fr Clifford Fenandes, the Parish Priest of Cordel preached the word of God and gave the clarion call to reach out to the poor in kindness and love.

Rev Fr James DSouza, the Vicar General of Mangalore City Varado was the president of the programme. He blessed the foundation stones for 6 houses and applauded the SVP unit of Fermai Parish for undertaking humanitarian projects to reach out to the poor families who couldn’t afford to buy land for higher rate elsewhere to construct the house.

Mr Richard Lobo, the earlier President of SVP unit of Cordel parish, who had also identified the beneficiaries had agreed for the construction of the houses being a building contractor. He was facilitated by Rev Fr Clifford Fernandes.

The land for the road was donated by Mr Joseph and Leena Sequeira, the neighbouring family. Mr Sunil Fernandes the local Panchayat member worked out for procuring land documents and survey of the land. They were felicitated by Rev Fr James DSouza.

Br Joe Coelho, the President of SSVP Central Council, Br George Boromeo, the President of SSVP City Area Council, Mr Stany Menezes, the Vice President of Fermai Parish, Sr Anna Maria BS, the Committee member of Housing project, Mrs Anita Fernandes Ward leader of Abbettu ward were the chief guests of the programme.

Mr Denis Pinto, the President of Fermai Parish SVP unit, accorded a warm welcome to the dignitaries on the dais. Ms Sneha Moras, one of the beneficiaries extended vote of thanks. Mr Alwyn Pinto, one of the SVP members of Fermai unit compeered the day’s programme.

The hard work of Mr Francis Cutinha and Mr Donald Cutinha along with other SVP members was applauded for concretely working out the project. Mrs Anitha Fernandes the SVP member as well as ward leader along with the ward members of Abbettu served the refreshments on the occasion.

Rev Fr Clifford Fernandes prayed grace before serving the refreshments.

The programme concluded at 11.30am. There were around 70 participants such as SVP members, parishioners, ward members, neighbours, the family members of beneficiaries and a few Bethany sisters. It was indeed a joyous occasion to reach out to the needy people!