The initiative took place at the church of St Alphonsa. For parish priest, " This means going beyond the celebration of the sacraments and responding to the needs of poor parishioners". Treatments included blood tests, blood pressure measurement and the provision of eyeglasses.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – A parish in New Delhi offered free medical treatment to parishioners and others, including migrant workers, poor, domestic and tribal people. The initiative took place on 9 September at St Alphonsa Church.
"We learnt from Pope Francis that service to the poor, not just charitable love, is an expression of faith,” Fr Frederick D'Souza, the parish priest and former executive director of Caritas India, told AsiaNews.
“This means going beyond the celebration of the sacraments and responding to the needs of poor parishioners and others."
At least 285 people benefited from free check-ups and medicines with 75 referred for additional treatment.
Fr D'Souza said that "the parish has about 400 families. The majority are tribal people who recently migrated from Kerala and Mangalore."
For him, the fact his parishioners actively participated in the "medical camp” was a source of joy “as it provided a great experience of missionary mercy. Many people have the means to help, whilst others are poor but are generous in their own way. All this involvement is very encouraging."
The initiative had been advertising over the previous days with big posters.
"We decided to offer this service because most of the residents, even if they work hard, do not have the means to pay for medical exams. I invited the parishioners to be 'close' to their neighbours and they responded unconditionally."
The check-up included blood tests, blood pressure measurements, eye and dental exams and electrocardiograms.
Simple medications were dispensed and glasses were provided to some people. One parishioner provided water and food.