Report & pics: Ivy Serrao
Moodbidri, Apr 6: In a heartening initiative aimed at uplifting the underprivileged, Maria Fernandes inaugurated the seventh house under her ambitious housing project for the poor on Monday, April 6. The ceremony marked another milestone in her mission to provide shelter and dignity to needy families.
Hailing from Taccode and married to Valerian Fernandes of Neerude, Maria Fernandes faced life’s hardships early, becoming a widow at the age of 33 with two young daughters. Determined to secure their future, she worked abroad for several years in Cyprus, Bahrain, Muscat, and later in Israel for 17 years. Through her perseverance, she ensured quality education for her daughters, Anita Lavina and Amritha Libret, and successfully settled them in life.
Despite fulfilling her personal responsibilities, Maria Fernandes remained deeply committed to serving the poor. Inspired by compassion, she envisioned constructing 15 houses, each costing Rs 10 lac, for underprivileged families.
The newly inaugurated house has been allotted to Prima Cutinha, a widow with four children—Vinod, Vijetha, Pavitra, and Prabod—bringing much-needed relief and hope to the family.
This housing initiative forms part of a larger project of the Diocese of Mangalore and is coordinated by Rev Fr Vijay Machado, Director of the CCBI Commission for YOUCAT, Goa. The project is funded through Rev Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP, Nanthoor. Rev Fr Onil D’Souza, Parish Priest of Corpus Christi Church, Moodbidri, played a key role in coordinating the completion of the house and blessed the new home.
The house was constructed by Denis Pereira and Praveen D’Souza of Fortune Promoters on a zero-profit basis. Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society of Corpus Christi Church, including vice-president Marcel D’Souza, secretary Norbert Martis, and media coordinator Ivy Serrao, were present on the occasion, reflecting strong community support for the noble cause.
Beneficiary Vijetha Cutinha thanked those gathered for their support.