Caritas Penang gives RM102k to social mission groups

Mar 03, 2023

By Carmel Dominic
Cheques amounting to RM102,200 were presented to 10 social mission groups in the diocese by Caritas Penang on February 21.

The selected groups were the Fr Julien Agape Centre, the New Thessalonian Apostolate School for Refugee Children, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, Mercy Home (AIDS), Persatuan Pembela Wanita Pulau Pinang, St Anne Dialysis Centre, St Joseph’s Home, Home of the Aged (CWS) Simee Care Centre, Little Sisters of the Poor and Orang Asli Mission Work. Representatives from the groups also did short presentations about their organisations and their plans for 2023.

Across the board, one thing was clear – the pandemic caused an upheaval in their daily operations. From 2020 until 2022, these groups severely lacked funds and relied heavily on the generosity of others. It came to a point where some of these groups had no choice but to shut down parts of their programmes due to the lack of donations and manpower. Therefore, the funds they received from Caritas Penang Diocese this year will go towards being faithful to their missions and charisms.

“We asked them to do short presentations about their social missions because it is important that we get to know each other and what our missions are. When we get to know each other, we can help should the need arise. We can make connections through our networks and support each other with prayer and supplication,” said Caritas Penang Diocese administrator, Juanita Chin.

After the presentations, Caritas Penang Diocese Head Fr Joachim Robert, thanked the representatives for attending and sharing their mission work. He encouraged them to keep their faith and run the race.

Later, Bishop Sebastian Francis presented the cheques and said a prayer for the social missionaries and their missions. He lauded them for rising above their challenges and urged them to continue to be a beacon of hope to the needy, marginalised, poor and ostracised.