Diocesan Housing Program, CODP Golden Jubilee year – Distribution of Housing Aid held CODP

Mangaluru: Canara Oraganization for Development and Peace (CODP) ® Mangalore, a charitable organization belonging to the Diocese of Mangalore, held the Golden Jubilee programme on August 3, 2023, at CODP Mother Theresa Hall. On this occasion, CODP organized a program for the distribution of financial aid for housing. Out of 100 beneficiaries under the ambitious housing project, 35 were for house repairs, and 65 were for the construction of New Houses.

The Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, and Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza, Educare Advisor, jointly inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP, welcomed all guests on the dias and beneficiaries. He elaborated on the details of the housing project and showed a short video of the project.

Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza addressed the audience on behalf of non-resident businessman Mr Michael D’Souza (Dubai) who was one of the key donors for this housing project. It is universally known that the basic needs of human beings are food, clothing, and shelter. For this, he thanked Mr Michael for joining hands with CODP and for providing the aid to build the house and for repairs. He requested to continue this project and help the needy, and he wished success for this program.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldana and Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza distributed the cheques to the beneficiaries. The bishop addressed the beneficiaries and informed them that the project was implemented by collecting money from the donations received from all the churches during the Lenten almsgiving and other donors. He thanked everyone for this and separately expressed his gratitude to Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza and Donor Mr Michael D Souza for making this program successful. Vicar General Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha, Educare Program Advisors Mr Stephen Pinto, Mr Oswald Rodrigues, Mr Henry D’Souza, Housing Planning Committee members Mr  Joe Coelho, Mrs Irene Rebello, Mr Francis D Cunha, Mariyan Sodality members, and Director of Canara Communication Center Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes were present on this program. This event was attended by 180 beneficiaries, and lunch was provided to all of them, which was sponsored by Mr Michael D’Souza. Mrs Reena staff of CODP, proposed the vote of thanks.