| CODP operational area
spreads over 9425.01 sq. km. involving Udupi, Dakhina Kannada
districts of Karnataka state and Kasargod district of Kerala
state with the total catholic population of 3,46,467. The languages
spoken by the people of this diocese are Kannada, Konkani, English,
Tulu and Malayalam. Though the Christian population is 9% of
the total population the impact of the work is greatly felt
and appreciated by one and all.
The Diocese of Mangalore which is one of the oldest Catholic
dioceses of India. Though well populated, it was predominantly
rural and agrarian. However, in 1960s to lessen the misery
of economically backward people a socio-economic movement
was opened in the diocese for the removal of poverty, hunger,
disease, ignorance and exploitation. It was then known as
Caritas or Catholic Charities-Mangalore, it was mainly a relief-oriented
agency. It worked by the dictum “feed the hungry, clothe
the ill-clad, treat the sick, shelter the homeless etc”.
But it was soon realized if the hungry person is given a fish
it will feed him for a day so it better to teach him how to
fish so that he can satisfy his hunger always.
Therefore, it was decided to streamline all developmental
activities, and to give a scientific approach and a new dimension,
with development as its central concern. In the year 1974
‘The Canara Organisation for Development and Peace’
(C.O.D.P) a registered social development organ of Mangalore
diocese was established with the aim of building a just and
new society, towards a full and abundant life for all. The
CODP is engaged in carrying out several developmental programmes
and activities for the development and overall growth of the
poor and marginalised.
The CODP has a General Body, a Board of Directors consisting
of the Bishop of Mangalore as its ex-officio President, a
Secretary, a Treasurer and other Directors elected from General
Body. The Secretary is assisted by the staff.
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