Udupi diocese hands over house to family

Udupi: The Udupi Diocese inaugurated a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing housing for underprivileged families lacking their own homes. This ambitious project is a key component of the diocese's preparations for the upcoming General Jubilee Year 2025, a significant milestone for the Catholic Church. The first tangible outcome of this initiative was witnessed on Sunday with the formal handover of a newly constructed house, christened ‘Ark of Hope', to the family of Vinod and Angeline Pinto, within the jurisdiction of the Thottam St Anne's Church.The Pinto family, burdened by persistent financial constraints, was residing in rented accommodation. Their plight resonated deeply within the parish community, prompting a concerted effort involving the parish council, generous donors, and the Michael D'Souza Charity Trust to realise their dream. Through this collaborative endeavour, a fully furnished house, estimated at Rs 13 lakh, was constructed.The realisation of this project was further facilitated by the donation of five cents of land by Thomas and Valeriana Noronha. The construction process was expedited, and the house was completed in a five-month timeframe.Rev Denis D'Sa, parish priest of Thottam Church, presided over the handover ceremony, blessing the new home and formally entrusting it to the Pinto family. "A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a foundation for stability, security, and a sense of belonging," Rev D'Sa said.Looking ahead, the Udupi Diocese has ambitious plans to replicate the success of the ‘Ark of Hope' project across its 52 churches, aiming to construct a house for one homeless family in each parish as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations. The diocese hopes that this initiative will inspire other organisations and individuals to join hands in building a more equitable and compassionate society for all.