The Homeless must be given shelter says Bishop of Mangalore

(December 24, 2011) Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangalore conveying his Christmas wishes and message to people on Friday said that Christmas is a festival spreading the message of social and humanitarian concern for the deprived sections in society. Pointing out that even non-Christians celebrate Christmas, he said the fact that Jesus Christ was born in a shed itself denotes that humanity is the best value in the universe and that Christmas too conveys the same message. The homeless must be provided with shelter, he stressed. Bishop in his message also noted that though the diocese is not against industrialization and development, it is opposed to the displacement of people caused by such industries, and also to the pollution resulting from them. Udupi Power Corporation Limited, Mangalore Special Economic Zone, ISPRL in Padoor are leading to displacement and also threatening the environment, a fact which has been highlighted by the media. Such negligent and anti-people approach is opposed by the diocese, he said. "Mangalore Diocese which is celebrating its 125th year has been implementing many projects among which construction of 160 houses for the homeless people is the foremost one. Already construction of 60 houses is underway and another 100 houses will be constructed in the coming days. Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) which is the social development wing of Mangalore diocese has constructed more than 2000 houses since the year 2000," he said.