A Sunday ministry initiated by Claretian seminarians 35 years ago, guided by a priest, has blossomed into a movement providing hope to thousands on the periphery.
Named the “Hope Society,” the ministry celebrated its 35 years of service at the Claretian Seminary in Bengaluru on December 3, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Honors were bestowed upon individuals from diverse backgrounds who played pivotal roles in the society’s development.
The Hope Society has established two centers for individuals grappling with addiction in Belgaum, Karnataka, and Goa. Additionally, centers catering to the needs of those with HIV have been set up in Bengaluru and Belgaum.
Under the stewardship of Claretian Father George Kannanthanam, the society has launched initiatives such as Project Vision for the visually impaired, Project Shelter for the homeless, and various disaster management programs.
In response to timely, urgent, and effective needs, the Claretian charism guided the development of 13 creative interventions by the Hope Society. Father Sabu George, the Claretian provincial, recognized the society’s growth from a seminary-based social action group to a nationwide people’s movement in India. Over 30 prominent individuals contributing to the society’s development were acknowledged with mementos.
Father George commended the society’s initiatives, highlighting the success of the Hope Recovery Centre in Belgaum, which has treated over 12,000 individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Support centers in Bengaluru and Belgaum have provided residential support and rehabilitation to more than 6,000 people living with HIV.
Father Mario Zalki, director of Project Vision, shared the impact of the eye donation movement, encouraging over half a million people to pledge their eyes after death. Project Vision’s innovative program, Blind Walk, conducted in over 1,000 locations across seven countries, allowed people to experience blindness. The Project Vision Rural campus in Tumkur district supported around 10,000 individuals with cataract operations.
Mother’s Meal, another intervention by the Hope Society during the Covid period, distributed over 100,000 provision kits, serving 5 million meals to groups such as the disabled and widows. Over the past 35 years, the society has constructed 1,500 houses for the homeless.
Ravishankar, a volunteer, presented the future vision of Hope and Project Vision, exploring possibilities and opportunities for expansion using technology and innovation. Father Kannanthanam felicitated numerous individuals and organizations for their longstanding partnership with Hope and Project Vision.
Notable among them was Stanislaus D’Souza, who generously donated 10 acres of land at Kasapura, Tumkur district for the works of Project Vision. Vision Ambassadors coordinating eye collections were honored, including 90-year-old Michael and his wife Glory, recognized for their unwavering efforts to promote eye donations in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Father Pradeep Correa, president of the Hope Society, expressed gratitude to the gathering for their presence and support. With over a decade of work assisting those affected by drug and alcohol problems, Father Correa acknowledged the collective effort that has propelled the Hope Society’s impactful journey.
This article was first published by Matters India
