Social Service Excellence awards of Syro-Malabar Church were presented by Major Archbishop George Cardinal Alencherry to three members at a function at the Syro-Malabar Church headquarters in Kochi, Kerala, south India on Aug 24.
Father Joseph Chittoor of Mananthavady, Deenabandu Samaj (Friends of the Poor) Sister Lissette DBS of Jagdalpur Diocese in North India and P. U. Thomas of Navjeevan Trust Kottayam in the archdiocese of Changanassery were awarded in the categories for diocesan Priests, the Religious and the Laity, respectively.
Lauding the three members for their exemplary service to the poor and marginalized, the Cardinal urged all to come forward to help the disadvantaged and provide timely help to all needy ones around.
Bishops of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church were present on the occasion along with priests of the Curia and the loved ones of the awardees.
The Award consists of fifty thousand Indian rupees (approximately USD 750) in cash and a recognition award plaque.
The award is constituted by Syro-Malabar Social Development Mission Network (SPANDAN), in collaboration with the Chicago Syro-Malabar diocese, for promoting social services by partnering with the local dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Father Joseph Chittoor is recognized for his service to uplift of the Tribal population within the territory of the diocese of Mananthavady in North Kerala.
Sister Lissette is actively engaged in educating Tribal children and school drop-out youth of Bastar District of Chhattisgarh state in Central India. She has educated over 10,000 children. 70% of the Bastar population is tribal.
P. U. Thomas is the founder and director of the Nav Jeevan Trust (New Life Trust) in Kottayam, Kerala. He feeds over 5000 poor people daily. He has received over 250 awards, including Bene Merendi from Pope Francis in 2016.
All Syro-Malabar dioceses and major religious congregations of men and women have social service departments.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
