Our true purpose in life is defined through the willingness to serve one another. This was exemplified by the parishioners of St. Jude and Our Lady of Lourdes, Malad.
In a tragic occurrence, 21 people lost their lives and 78 were injured after a compound wall collapsed, due to heavy rains, on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 in Mumbai. The parishioners immediately stepped out to provide aid to the victims, distributing meals, water, rainwear, and flashlights. Groceries were also provided through the joint efforts of St Catherine’s Home, the Orlem Prayer Group, Bombay Catholic Sabha and other well-wishers of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
Given the magnitude of the disaster, Fr. Warner D’Souza, Parish Priest, St. Jude Church, Malad, reached out through various social media platforms to garner much needed aid, and from what was received, it was possible to provide monetary relief to the hospitalised. While appealing for assistance during this situation, Fr Warner made it clear that, “the need of the hour is to identify (which we are doing) the victims most in need of financial help and put the money in their hands.” One of the tougher challenges faced by Fr. Warner and the volunteers, was accessibility to the victims as the tragedy took place on a hillock, in extreme weather conditions.
When tragedies occur, we are called to respond with the spirit of Christ. Many local parishes and organisations showed their humanity through selfless service towards their neighbours. The Archdiocese of Bombay stands with the afflicted in this time of grief.