Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nagercoil (Agenzia Fides) - More than 300 Christian families in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, affected by the tragic tsunami on 26 December 2004, are starting a new life thanks to help from the local Catholic Church. The local Caritas office recently handed over new homes built with national and international donations.
The homes are in two parishes in the diocese of Kottar, one of parts of Indian most affected three years ago when 160,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands were left homeless. Families living along the sea coast suddenly lost homes, fishing boats and fields and plunged into dire poverty.
Caritas purchased the land and paid for the building of 329 homes for these fisherfolk who were still living in huts or refugee tents.
The keys were presented to the families at the end of a special Mass presided by Fr Maria Dhasan diocesan administrator of Kottar, and the new homes were blessed by the Bishop Remigio Kumbakonam.
The local Catholic Church was among the first to assist the affected families and also among those who continued to provide aid in the time necessary for rebuilding. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/7/2007 righe 24 parole 244)
