The Western Region Social Service Forum recently concluded its reflective meet in Nalasopara, Vasai from 27 to 28 January 2020. The purpose of the meet was to reflect on the activities carried out in the western region and to chalk out future activities.
The event saw the participation of Archbishop Felix Machado, Vasai Diocese, Bishop Jose Chittooparambil, Syro-Malabar Diocese of Rajkot, along with the directors of various social service centres from the region. Fr Melwin Pais, Director, SDDS, represented Sindhudurg Diocese at the meet.
Fr. Dr. Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India facilitated a session on Caritas India Strategic Plan and Dissemination, in which he discussed a four key pillar strategy. In the session, he also spoke on the importance of the Lenten campaign and volunteerism, in the Church. He also emphasized on the need for dioceses to encourage more volunteers to bring out better changes in society.
The team also visited Umed, a centre for differently-abled persons, which is operated by Vasai Diocese. Sr Ruby along with Mr Wilson of the centre made a brief presentation of the centre’s activities and the benefits it has to offer to people who are physically challenged. The residents of the centre manufacture different items such as Communion hosts, rosaries, candles etc. The centre gifted caps made by the residents to the team.
On the second day of the meet, Fr. Dr. Robert D’Souza facilitated a session on models of holiness. He spoke on prophetic Charity Divine Justice, Divine love, Divine Hope, Divine Providence, Prophetic confrontation, Prophetic consolation, Prophetic suffering, Prophetic mission/ submission.
A presentation was made by Mr Bruno, which evaluated the activities conducted by WRSSF from July 2019 to January 2020. Following the presentation Fr. George spoke on the CSR Fund and future activities. The participants also proposed to approach different corporate houses for CSR support, and to develop a central website which would highlight volunteer programmes of the forum.
The annual general body meeting of the forum will be held on 22 and 23 July 2020 and Sindhudurg Diocese will be the hosts.
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