Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 26: Service rendered to the poor always carries God’s blessings, and God can be experienced through service to the underprivileged, said Mangaluru diocese bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.

He was speaking at a programme held at Father Muller Convention Centre on Sunday, where a special dialysis scheme offering treatment at a 50 per cent concessional rate for eligible poor patients of Dakshina Kannada district was launched as part of the centenary celebrations of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Mangaluru diocese.

The bishop inaugurated the initiative and also presided over the launch of a second welfare project on the occasion.

The dialysis scheme is being implemented by Trinity Medicare Service under the leadership of Joseph Menezes Sasthan, with the cooperation of Frida Rego and Janet Fernandes.

Speaking as the chief guest, Legislative Council member Ivan D'Souza said the Christian community has set an example to the world through its commitment to service and compassion.

Those present included Trinity Medicare Service founder Joseph Menezes, international president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul Juan Manuel Burego Gomez, national president Jude Mangalraj, special international general council ombudsman Joseph Pandian, director of Father Muller Institutions Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, national secretary Santigu Manickam, coordinators Asha Vaz, youth representative Alister Nazareth, central council president Gabriel Joe Coelho, spiritual director Fr Flavian Lobo, secretary Ligory Fernandes, treasurer Clarence Machado and coordinator Philomena Menezes, among others.