“GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER” (2Cor 9:7)
The Carmelite Monastery, Margao, promotes charitable activities in manifold ways. Besides helping individuals on case to case basis, according to a particular or urgent need, we have three specific programmes which are all supported by our well-wishers and benefactors.
Medical Charity
For several years we had doctors offering their free service to the poor and the monastery had a free dispensary, where basic medicines were available. This was discontinued for some reasons and a medical fund has been created through which a monthly subsidy is provided to around 15 persons who are on prolonged medical treatment and can’t afford the entire costs (mostly dialysis or cancer patients).
Jesus fed the multitudes – Mathew 14:13-21
Carmel Food Banks
Carmel Food Bank is a response to Our Lord’s statement, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40)
It was Donald Fernandes from Sangolda who started the first food bank in Goa in 2017, and inspired by that initiative, Prof. Mrs. Joan Rebello, supported by Rev. Fr. Archie, the then Superior of the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, took the lead in forming the CFB. Almost all the members of CFB are senior citizens with a passion to serve the needy in and around Margao.
Donald Fernandes’ unique plan is to channelise excess food from hotels and industries to the hungry, thereby preventing wastage. Based on this concept, CFB conducts 2 activities:
- Leftover food from the neighbouring Navtara restaurant is collected and stored nightly, then warmed and packed in the Lar kitchen, and distributed to the needy.
- A share of the fresh leftover food collected by Donald’s Street Providence organisation from Verna Industrial Estate is served every evening to the homeless poor.
CFB played a pivotal role when Covid was at its peak, and migrant labourers were leaving Margao in droves, with empty hands and stomachs, in fear and uncertainty. The scenario was indeed pitiful and CFB rose to assist them by providing packed meals as they boarded the trains. These 300+ meals were cooked in the open on the grounds of the Lar.
After the departure of the migrants, CFB assessed the difficulties faced by ethnic Goans due to Covid, due to loss of jobs. Hence, a new activity of providing dry food items, like rice, flour, lentils, tea powder, soaps, etc was started. This activity was continued post Covid and is an essential help to the aged and the home-bound. The purchase of these dry food items is possible only through the generous cash donations of many. These donors, in fact, are valuable partners in the CFB’s ministry of reaching out to the poor in our midst.
After Rev. Fr. Archie, Rev. Fr. Silvestre and at present, Rev. Fr. Marlon, have continued to encourage and guide the members of CFB.
Serving the poor is indeed a joy because we see Jesus in every helpless face and are reminded of the words of Jesus who said, “…I was hungry and you gave me food….” (Mt 25:35)
Meals of Wheels
Home-cooked meals (varied menu, corresponding to diets) are supplied daily to over 20 individuals who are homebound (elderly or sickly) and cannot manage on their own, in and around Margao. A reliable caterer is entrusted with door-to- door service and the whole programme is monitored by the Legion of Mary.