Inauguration of Claretian Tsunami Educational Hall at Kameswaram

25th September 2005

Reported by Fr.A. Innasimuthu cmf
Project Manager.

Answering the educational needs of the Tsunami affected people of Kameswaram, the Claretian Tsunami Rehabilitation Service Office located at Vailankanni, decided to construct a Multi purpose hall at Kameswaram village. The hall construction began on 5th September 2005, with the blessing of the Parish Priest. It was done in a fast pace in a record time of 20 days and was ready for Inauguration on the 25th of September 2005. On this joyful day, around 350 tsunami-affected people from Kameswaram Meenavar Colony (fishermen colony) came together for the celebration. Rev. Fr. Stephen Raj the Parish Priest of Tirupoondi made the overall arrangement for the function.

Claretian Tsunami Educational Hall at Kameswaram was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Vincent Anes cmf, the Prefect of Apostolate of the Claretian Province of Chennai. The hall was blessed by Rev. Fr. Jerome cmf. Rev. Fathers Anthony Samy, Xavier L, Lord. M. Winner were the other Claretian participants. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed with Rev. Fr. Xavier the Vicar Forane of Nagapattinam, as the main celebrant.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a thanks giving meeting for the collaborators and village leaders was organized. Rev.Fr.Xavier presided over the function. During this meeting, many local leaders thanked the Claretians for the construction of the Hall. Rev. Fr. Vincent during his address, explained about the tsunami relief and rehabilitation activities implemented in different places of Cuddalore and Kanyakumari. He invited young and old respectively to make use of the educational programme. Rev. Fr. Winner cmf in his address told that the quick period of construction of the hall is the result of people’s cooperation and their desire for education. Dr. Sr. Franciscal, belonging to the Sisters of St. Annes of Trichy invited the people to make use of the opportunity for improving themselves.

Fr. Innasimuthu cmf thankfully remembered DMI Sisters for providing bamboos for the construction and Rev. Fr. Stephen Raj P.P. for three palm trees and the local leaders who had monitored the construction. He also explained to the general public about the educational programme, which is classified into four categories.

1. Basic educational support for the adults for both men and women

2. Educational support for the drop outs

3. Educational support for the regular students from class 8th to 12th with special classes on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Educational support with vocational training

He also thanked all people who are collaborating for this programme.

A cultural event based on awareness creation about different social issues was enacted by Tanjore Diocese Catholic Youth Movement under the leadership of Fr. Soosai Manickam for more than one and half-hours. The highlight of the programme was Mr. Nellai Nelson, a physically challenged awareness creator from Tirunelvali who is making a trip from Kanyakumari to Chennai by his tricycle creating awareness about HIV / AIDS. His talk provoked the public to be careful about the spread of HIV/ AIDS, in the rural areas. The function came to an end around 10.00 pm.

The local villagers offered dinner to the invitees and artists who are around 120. The cultural event was very much appreciated by the public who belonged to different religious backgrounds. The event gave witness to the meaningful service of the Claretians in fulfilling the needs of the tsunami victims at Kameswaram village. in spite of different religiosity.

Address
Claretian Tsunami Relief Services,No.1,Gandhi Nagar, Main Road, Vailankanni, Nagai District,
Tamil Nadu, India . Pin : 611 111
Tel: 0091 9360348600 Email: clapindia@sify.com