Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) – While in some Indian states violence against Christians and Christian institutions reportedly continues, Catholics continue to serve the community. This commitment, often silent and unnoticed, was recently recognised and, after carrying out cross country survey, the Human Resources Minister assigned the National Award for Child Care 2003 to a Catholic priest and a Spanish missionary Sister for outstanding work in this field.
The award was presented Father Agnel Niketan, in Goa, west India, in recognition of his outstanding service to orphans and abandoned children. Concern for the plight of abandoned children roaming the streets with nowhere to go Father Niketan offers them a home, elementary education and spiritual formation.
The same award was given to Sister Rozario Lopez, a Spanish missionary who works among mentally deficient or blind children in Meghalaya north east India. The children are given elementary schooling and taught hand craft and farming techniques and rehabilitated into society.. Sister Lopez is Secretary General of the Bethany Society congregation which cares for blind people and she is co-ordinator of an Assistance Programme of Assistance for women and disabled in Meghalaya. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/12/2003 lines 20 words 182)
