Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sambalpur (Fides Service) - In the Indian state of Orissa known for numerous active groups of Hindu extremists which often resort to violence, the only haven for people affected by leprosy regarded as ‘human refuse’ and outcasts is a Catholic Home run by the Divine Word Missionaries. The Home is concrete proof of the devoted service offered by Catholic missionaries and the Christian community in general to these poorest of the poor regardless of race, religion, caste or creed.
Besides offering treatment for people with leprosy the Home helps rehabilitate them and their families in the local community. Founded ten years ago for a group of 49 families, today the centre cares for more than 60 families, a total of 607 patients and their children. The centre is in the district of Burghar said to be the area with the highest density of people with leprosy in the whole world.
Besides caring for its inmates the Home also distributes information on the disease and how it can be prevented and treated. To improve the ecnomic situation of the stricken families and help them be independent, the missionaries also offer small loans to help start a small activity. The Divine Word Fathers also run two primary schools for mostly non Christian children, providing all the necessary didactic material.
In many parts of the world leprosy is still regarded as a punishment from God. The Home in Orissa run by the Divine Word missionaries is one of many similar centres all over India which stand as testimony of Catholic commitment to care for those most excluded and shunned by society. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/6/2005 righe 26 parole 266)
