Message on the inauguration of the Ruby Jubilee of Seva Kendra

Dear Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, members of the Governing Board of Seva Kendra, members of the Finance Committee, former directors and secretaries of SKC, our esteemed donors and partners, fathers, sisters, friends and collaborators- On behalf of the “Seva Kendra family” a hearty welcome to each and everyone of you for this inaugural function of the Ruby Jubilee of this Institution.

It was on December 14, 1973 that SKC was registered as the official social service society of the Archdiocese of Calcutta. Msgr. Henry D’Souza, the then Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta was its first President and Fr. Henricks sj, its first executive Director.

Ever since - over the last 39 years - many others have served in this organization and have rendered dedicated service and made enormous contribution to society through this institution. This is the year during which we will lovingly celebrate their ‘Seva’.

The inspiration for our ‘engagement’ in Society and the principles on which we operate are spelt out in the social teaching of the Catholic Church, a teaching that attempts to understand and interpret the Gospel message of Jesus and attempts to respond to the ever emerging needs of our people.

Jesus preached the good news to the poor. The true disciples of Jesus are to make a preferential option for the poor as our Lord and master did. This preference must embrace the hungry, the homeless, there in medical or other need, and above all those without hope for a better future.

Standing with the poor, being present to them, seeing the world through the perspective of the poor… advocating for the poor, are essential to being a disciple of Christ.

We at Seva Kendra wish to continue the mission of Jesus as our beloved predecessor did and I assure you today that we will do it with renewed zeal and enormous enthusiasm.

Our mission is to bring ‘Hope and Healing’ to as many of our brothers and sisters as we are able to.

It is filled with this Spirit that we begin a project for the domestic workers which will be one our Jubilee Memorials. I request the Archbishop to officially launch it when he delivers us this message.

I pray to Mary our Mother- the ‘lowly handmaiden’ to intercede for us on our journey of service leading people from darkness to light.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A JOYFUL NEW YEAR 2013