INDIA: Donor funding builds new church
People living in Laskerpara village have a new church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) People living in Laskerpara village in the Salesian Damra Parish in Assam, India, have a new church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The St. Peter and Paul Church was built so people have a local place to gather and participate in the Catholic Mass and pray together. The project is part of the chapel program at Salesian Missions.
A Salesian said, “The people of Laskerpara are much delighted with the church of their dreams. That the dream would turn true so quickly before their very eyes was a pleasant reality for all, especially for the elderly. In fact, there was a very old lady who would come every day and look at the chapel as it was emerging. There was such joy and radiance in her face that seeing her joy was reward enough for me and all of us helping construct the chapel.”
“We appreciate our donors who have been able to help Salesians with this chapel project,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Chapels are a central part of these communities for people to learn, find spiritual guidance and support one another.”
More than 22 percent of India’s population lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.
Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.
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Sources:
Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
