The IDC delegates assembly took place in Mumbai, India from 9 September to 11 September 2012. Our host was Fr. Gilbert De Lima a delegate of the IDC. After the business meetings we were able to tour the city of Mumbai and to see first hand, the wonderful ministry of the Permanent Deacons in the Archdiocese of Mumbai. Many of the deacons are working with the communities in the slums of Mumbai, with a core part of their ministry being their work for social justice. The level of poverty in the slums are unlike anything experienced in our countries and the scale of such poverty is simply overwhelming. One cannot but reflect with a deep sense of compassion on the future prospects for the many children born and raised in these slums and the daily family struggles to just survive. A beacon of light in all this poverty is the resolute determination of the Catholic Church to uplift the lives of the poor and it is these efforts that truly bring hope and joy to the status quo. Empowerment, self help schemes are transforming the lives of the communities in little, but effective steps. It was extremely gratifying to see the empowerment of women being spearheaded in the various communities we visited. This bodes well for the future and the Permanent Deacons have a strong role to play in complimenting and supporting the work of the lay religious and the voluntary social workers. Our grateful thanks to our brothers and sisters in Mumbai who welcomed us into their communities. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Below are moments captured of our time in Mumbai.
Prepared by:
Dcn. Greg Garnie
Prepared by:
Dcn. Greg Garnie
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