India’s economy is growing quickly, but many families are being left behind — and that’s where the Catholic Church is stepping in to help. In southwestern Kerala state, where St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in the year 52, churches are offering services to those who cannot afford care for their family members.
“You know the missionary activities: preaching the Gospel, through words and activities … especially for the marginalized, for the poor, needy people,” says Syro-Malabar Catholic Bishop Pauly Kannookadan of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda.
The Catholic Church offers palliative care, home visits, free medicine and free nursing care. It has established homes for orphans and the elderly. In the state capital, Trivandrum, the church offers free midday meals.
In this video, church leaders speak to Anubha George about what they are doing. You can read more about their work in “The Church as Field Hospital” in the March issue of ONE.