PANAJI
‘Ray of Hope’, a Halfway Home was inaugurated at Pedro Arrupe Institute (PAI), Raia, on September 9, the feast day of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
It is a Halfway Home for men recovering from alcohol addiction, who have completed a three-month course of rehabilitation at Blessed Ozanam Recovery Centre, Carmona.
‘Ray of Hope’ is a collaborative project of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (Goa Central Council) and the Jesuits (Goa Province).
Fr Roland Coelho, Provincial of the Jesuit Goa Province, blessed the Home and in his message, exhorted the Vincentians to follow the example of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who said, “Do not be afraid of new beginnings”.
Stating that Ozanam lived only for 40 years but made a huge impact on people all over the world, Fr Coelho asked the Vincentians, who want to reach out to the poor, to be creative and to use their energy to do something of value for the future.
This initiative was started on the feast day of Bl. Frederic Ozanam and St Peter Claver.
Fr Coelho said he hoped this new venture between the SSVP and Jesuits would help those who are struggling to make a fresh start, be reunited with their families and society.
Also present were Fr Cedric Fernandes (Superior of PAI), Fr Felix D'Silva (Director of PAI), Fr Rony Fernandes (Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Snows Church, Raia), Shrikant B (National Programme Coordinator, Kripa Foundation) and Selwyn Collaço (President, Goan Overseas Association - Toronto). Several priests, nuns and Vincentians were present at the event. Sr Asha Vas (President of SSVP Goa Central Council) later delivered the vote of thanks.
