Udupi Diocese Jubilee 2025 Special Project: House Handed Over to a Poor Family at Thottam Church
Udupi: In a heartwarming display of communal solidarity and commitment to social justice, the Udupi Diocese has inaugurated a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing housing for underprivileged families lacking their own homes. This ambitious undertaking forms a key component of the Diocese’s preparations for the upcoming General Jubilee Year 2025, a significant milestone for the Catholic Church. The first tangible outcome of this initiative was witnessed on Sunday with the formal handover of a newly constructed house, christened ‘Ark of Hope,’ to the family of Vinod and Angeline Pinto within the jurisdiction of the Thottam St. Anne’s Church.
The Pinto family, burdened by persistent financial constraints, had been residing in rented accommodation, their aspiration of homeownership seemingly unattainable. Their plight resonated deeply within the parish community, prompting a concerted effort involving the parish council, generous donors, and the Michael D’Souza Charity Trust to realize their dream. Through this collaborative endeavor, a fully furnished house, estimated at Rs. 14 lakhs, was meticulously constructed to provide a secure and comfortable living environment for the family.
The realization of this project was further facilitated by the benevolent donation of 5 cents of land by Thomas and Valeriana Noronha, underscoring the spirit of selfless contribution that characterized the entire undertaking. The construction process was expedited, culminating in the completion of the house within a remarkable five-month timeframe.
Rev. Denis D’Sa, the esteemed parish priest of Thottam Church, presided over the momentous handover ceremony, blessing the new home and formally entrusting it to the Pinto family. In his address to the assembled congregation, Rev. D’Sa poignantly underscored the profound significance of possessing one’s own home, emphasizing its inherent capacity to foster peace of mind, security, and restful sleep. He lamented the continuing existence of individuals and families without adequate housing, struggling to survive in precarious circumstances, and lauded the ‘Ark of Hope’ project as a beacon of hope, providing a much-needed sanctuary for the Pinto family.
“A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a foundation for stability, security, and a sense of belonging,” Rev. D’Sa stated. “This initiative embodies the Gospel message of compassion and service to those in need. We hope that the ‘Ark of Hope’ will not only provide shelter for the Pinto family but also inspire others to extend their support to the less fortunate.”
The Thottam Church’s housing project, initiated at a cost of Rs. 13 lakhs, serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective action. The unwavering support of church devotees, the Michael D’Souza Charity Trust, and various other donors, coupled with the invaluable land donation by Thomas and Valeriana Noronha, ensured the successful completion of the project within the stipulated time frame. The Vinod and Angeline Pinto family, now liberated from the burdens of rented accommodation and economic insecurity, expressed profound gratitude for the life-altering impact of this initiative.
During the ceremony, heartfelt appreciation was extended to key contributors, with Thomas and Valeriana Noronha, engineer Errol, responsible for the house’s construction, and the priests who spearheaded the project all receiving well-deserved honors for their dedication and commitment.
The event witnessed the presence of a distinguished gathering, including Sunil Fernandes, Vice President of the Parish Council; Blessilla Crasta, Secretary; Vanita Fernandes, coordinator of 20 committees; Sister Sushma, Superior of the convent; Stephen Pinto and Oswald Rodrigues from the Michael D’Souza Charity Trust; Vincent Quadras and Richard D’Souza, office bearers of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Udupi-Kalyanpur Deanery; Susanna Vas, President of the SVP Thottam unit; Ronald Fernandes, Gurkar of the St. Sebastian ward; Joseph Pinto, member of Badanidiyoor Gram Panchayat; and other prominent figures from the local community.
The proceedings were gracefully conducted, with Vinod Pinto extending a warm welcome to the guests, Venissa Pinto expressing sincere gratitude, and Leslie Aroza skillfully anchoring the program.
Looking ahead, the Udupi Diocese has ambitious plans to replicate the success of the ‘Ark of Hope’ project across its 52 churches, aiming to construct a house for one homeless family in each parish as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations. This commitment signifies a substantial investment in the well-being of vulnerable communities and underscores the Diocese’s unwavering dedication to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice. The ‘Ark of Hope’ project stands as a shining example of this dedication, promising to bring solace and improved living conditions to countless families in need across the region. The Diocese hopes that this initiative will inspire other organizations and individuals to join hands in building a more equitable and compassionate society for all.