Udupi: The state-level Lenten campaign for the dioceses of Karnataka was inaugurated February 21 by Bishop Isaac Lobo of Udupi.
The theme for this year is ‘Campaign against Hunger and Disease’ with the motto ‘healthy life, healthy India.’ It has been launched across all the 174 Catholic dioceses in India.
The Karnataka region comprises Bangalore archdiocese and dioceses of Shimoga, Udupi, Mysore, Bellary, Beltangady, Mandya, Belgaum, Puttur, Mangalore, Bhadravathi, Karwar, Chikmagalur and Gulbarga.
Speaking on the occasion Bishop Lobo said, “Caritas India is an organization of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India which is working for those in need without discriminating on the basis of caste, creed and religion. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Caritas worked for the underprivileged and provided them with help. For their service, the Government of India recognized Caritas’ mission and honored them.”
He also pointed out that Pope Francis hopes to develop Catholic families. The pontiff has dedicated to family from March 19 this year to June 26, 2022.
“ A thorough plan in this regard has also been drafted. In this Lenten season let us give utmost importance to prayer, fasting and donations. Let us try to sacrifice one meal on every Sunday of this season and donate it to the needy,” Bishop Lobo said.
The campaign against hunger and disease practices five I’s — Immunity to stress, improved confidence, improved productivity, improved sense of physical health, and an improved sense of mental health. It also emphasizes healthy food habits, exercise, provision and importance of clean water and many other subjects.
Bengaluru-based Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service (KROSS) has been entrusted with the campaign in Karnataka.
Lenten campaign donation box, lucky draw and donation covers were released on the occasion.
Present on the occasion were Father Sebastian Fernandes, director of KROSS, Sister Zeeta D’Souza, coordinator, of KROSS’ Women Empowerment Program, Robert D’Souza, state officer of Caritas India, Father Reginald Pinto of the Udupi diocese’s social service wing among others.
Source: daijiworld.com