'SPARSHA' MISSION AGAINST CANCER

'SPARSHA' Mission against Cancer in Karnataka was officially launched on 6 th March 2020 at Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service (KROSS) Resource cum Training Centre in the auspicious presence of His Grace, Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru.

Fr. Sebastian Fernandes, Director, KROSS welcomed the dignitaries on the dais, viz. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru, Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director & Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India, New Delhi, Ms Connie Alva, Director, I Create India & Governing Board Member, Caritas India, Msgr. Joseph Jayanathan and Fr. Pradeep Sequeira besides all the Bishops, Vicar-Generals, a host of Priest, Religious and Laity who had gathered for the occasion.

Fr. Paul Moonjely and Fr. Jolly Puthenpura spoke on the ways and means that could be adopted to make the campaign a success. We could become volunteers and share time with a cancer patient or their family members which makes them feel good. As a volunteer, we can build new friendships and widens our support network which can then help in counselling, offer emotional and practical support like medical referral or arrange monetary assistance. After Kerala, Goa and Andhra, Karnataka was the fourth state to take up this mission against cancer.

Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru said that we, the Church in Karnataka has a pivotal role in carrying forward this mission as we have to create awareness on the lifestyle we are adopting and this has to change if we are to make an impact in the society. We have to begin our campaign from the schools itself as the message reaches a wide section of the society.

The program was ably supported by Mr. Robert D’souza, State Officer, Caritas India and was compered by Sr. Zita D’souza, Chief Coordinator, KROSS, Bengaluru. The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr. Marcel Pinto, Director, CMSSS, Hassan.