By Adolf Washington.
Bengaluru, November 26: “You are never isolated from the all-encompassing love and mercy of God” Archbishop Bernard Moras told over 900 Differently-abled children and adults who congregated at the ‘Preethi Nivas Centre’ at Hennur Road in Bangalore, managed by the Gunelian Congregation of Catholic Priests. The Archbishop was referring to the yeomen service people of goodwill are rendering to the differently abled all across the world.
In his address to at least 1,500 people (inclusive of the differently abled) Archbishop Moras reminded the gathering of a special Commission started for the differently abled in the Archdiocese of Bangalore while he referred to Pope Francis’ message in Italy to over 10,000 differently abled.
The Prelate said “You are the treasures of the Church and God’s manifestation of mercy. The succor that people and institutions provide you are itself a great manifestation of God’s love for you”.
Recalling the words of Pope Francis the archbishop said, “the Year of Mercy declared by the Holy father may have ended this November, but the mercy of God will never cease and we must open our hearts with mercy even as the symbolic doors of mercy are closed across the world”.
The Archbishop declining a felicitation for his birthday instead felicitated an elderly man and a child among the differently abled who were celebrating their birthday on the occasion.
Archbishop Moras reminded the gathering that 15 percent of the world’s population is differently abled and it is binding upon the rest of the population to reach out to them with love.
The 10th year celebration for the differently abled at Preethi Nivas was a prelude to United Nations World Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3). Superior of Preethi Nivas , Fr. Gnana Raj, several priests, nuns and those involved and associated with work among the differently abled from across 33 centres in Bangalore were present for the celebration.