“When we have 36 Crores individuals who are starving for at least one meal- a day, living in poverty, we should concentrate our valuable small contribution for these people to have a dignified life,” urged Fr. Paul Moonjely, the Executive Director of Caritas India to the parishioners of St. Francis Assisi Syro-Malabar Farona Church, Dilshad Garden on March 07, 2021. He was giving his homily of the Mass at the second National Launch of the Lenten Campaign 2021.

The Lenten Campaign is the annual campaign of the Catholic Church of India facilitated by Caritas India and Regional Fora and the diocesan partners in collaboration with the Parishes operationalized the Campaign against “Hunger and Disease’ on the ground. This year’s campaign “Healthy Life, Healthy India” is an attempt to reach out to the most marginalized by supporting the poor to fight against their adversities.

Fr. Paul in his message explained the role of Caritas India and her approach towards the vulnerable especially in this Lenten Season when there are many people around starving for food due to poverty, ill-health, financial constraints, jobless etc. He shared the example of Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for us, by sharing His Body and His Blood, when we were drowned in sins. In this season of lent, he emphasized experiencing the close presence of Jesus Christ by helping the vulnerable needy people. He closed his message by encouraging the parishioner to play the role of a Good Samaritan in people’s lives irrespective of caste, race, creed etc.

Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara celebrated the mass along with Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India and Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India and Fr. Martin Palamattam, Judicial Vicar, Dilshad Garden Church. The Holy mass started with the lighting of the lamp by His Grace Bishop Kuriakose, Parish Priest, Fr. Paul, Caritas Staff representative, Representation from Trustees, Mathruvedi, Pithruvedi, Catechism Headmaster and DSYM President.

Soon after the Holy Mass, Lenten Campaign was launched by His Grace, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangra along with Rev Fr. Martin Palamattam, Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjely, Rev. Fr. Jolly Puthenpura and Rev. Fr Abin Kunnappallil.

“The prime goal of Lenten Campaign is not only to collect money but to sensitize ourselves towards social commitments,” shared Fr. Jolly in his introductory message. He added that our prime responsibility and teaching being a Catholic Christian is doing charitable activities to the needy, by being a part of the Social Mission of the Church, through your self-volunteering, financial contribution, contribute in spreading awareness, the essence of sharing, sensitivity and solidarity and your valuable prayers throughout the year.

The official campaign launch commenced with the unveiling of the Lenten Campaign Poster by His Grace, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangra, in the presence of Rev Fr. Martin Palamattam, Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjely, Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Fr Abin Kunnappallil and Sr. Lavia, Secretary to the CBCI Office for Women.

Caritas India took this opportunity to celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’ by promoting good health and organizing orientation on Menstrual Health & Hygiene Management for 75 Domestic workers with the help of Sisters and Parish council members of St. Francis Assisi Church. The Orientation focused on the importance of good menstrual health and hygiene management as one of the indicators of a healthy life.

In connection with this theme and to encourage Domestic workers for good health and hygiene management, dignity Kits were distributed to each member, which contain neatly stitched cotton cloth reusable pads, an Anti-septic liquid, a soap and a mask. Ms. Meena and Ms. Shimray shared the importance and value of women’s dignity, empowerment and briefly shared how the dignity kits will help each woman to have healthier menstrual hygiene which is environment and user friendly

The women Domestic workers’ were divided into several groups facilitated by different volunteers and staffs of Caritas India to share the importance of Menstruation in a woman’s life, demystifying Taboos and myths around menstruation, the significance of managing the Menstrual Hygiene materials and how to make cotton cloth handmade pads by themselves. The facilitators encouraged women to learn and develop their own reusable cotton cloth pads while informing them on the safe disposal and management of menstrual materials.