Mangalore Diocese News

By Pravita Monis

Surathkal, July 17 : On 14 July 2024, Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) ,Surathkal unit, in association with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL), St. Aloysius Deemed to be University jointly organized Blood donation camp and Plantation drive at Sacred Heart church conference hall.

The program commenced by welcoming the gathering and guests by Ms. Daina D'Souza Secretary of ICYM Surathkal, and the members of ICYM led the prayer. The honorable guest V. Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres, Director of ICYM Surathkal unit, chief guest Mr. Prashanth Baliga, General manager CSR, MRPL, Dr. Ashok, Wenlock Hospital, Mr. Russel Roche, vice president of Parish Pastoral Council, Surathkal, Mr. Norbert Misquith, Treasurer Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), Surathkal unit and Mr. Steevan Pinto, the programme coordinator.

With the tagline, “Donate blood, give life to Humans and plant a sapling, give life to the Earth“, the programme was symbolically inaugurated with planting a sapling along with guests and other collaborators of the event.

In his presidential address, Fr Austin stressed the importance of blood donation and the need of Mother Earth for our survival. Chief Guest Mr Prashanth Baliga spoke about the corporate social responsibilities of MRPL, especially blood donation and the environment.

Along with blood donation, the students of St Aloysius, Deemed to be university, joined hands in planting the saplings in the Church and School grounds. The students with other volunteers, planted 200 saplings in three different locations on the church campus. Some of the students from the Sahaya group of the college donated blood.

After the blood donation, some of the blood donors planted saplings to give life to the earth on the campus.

The Wenlock Hospital staff carried out the Blood Donation camp.

Mr Olwyn D’Souza, President of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), Surathkal unit, delivered the vote of thanks.

The planting drive concluded with lunch and evaluation.