Discover How Caritas Goa is Transforming Lives at the Exposition

Caritas Goa, a charitable organisation deeply rooted in service, is creating a significant buzz at the ongoing Exposition of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier in Goa. The organization has set up three lively stalls near the Se Catedral in Old Goa. These stalls offer a variety of activities for visitors to indulge in as well as a number of products for sale. The stalls have been set up to raise awareness about the organization’s various initiatives and generate funds to support their beneficiaries.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Savio Fernandes, Assistant Director of Caritas Goa, shared, “Through our stalls at this year’s exposition, we want to showcase the many projects our organization is running across the state. It's an opportunity for people to learn about the vital work we do for marginalized communities in Goa.”

The stalls, which have been operational since the exposition began on 21st November, will continue until 5th January 2025, providing visitors with a chance to engage with the organization’s mission and contribute to its noble cause.

An Insight into Caritas Goa

Caritas Goa, established in 1962 as the social arm of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, has been dedicated to promoting social justice, supporting vulnerable communities, and advancing human development. Over the years, the organization has spearheaded numerous humanitarian initiatives in Goa. Some of its most notable projects include:

• ASRO, Thivim: A shelter home for children living with HIV.

• St. Francis Xavier's Training-cum-Production Centre for the Handicapped, Old Goa

• Obra De Protecao A Mulher (OPM), Nachinola: A shelter home for abandoned babies and unwed mothers.

• CanSurvive Project: Supports cancer patients in recovery.

• Prison Ministry: Offers support services to prisoners and their families.

• Caritas Centre for DeafBlind: Supports children with dual sensory impairments.

• Divya Sadan, Porvorim: A home for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Immersive Experience Zones and Fun Activities

At the stalls set up by Caritas Goa at the Se Catedral, visitors can explore a range of engaging activities designed to highlight the organization’s impactful work across the state. One of the stalls features an immersive Deafblind Experience Zone. At this zone, visitors can wear specially designed glasses and earphones to get an experience of the challenges faced by individuals with deafblindness. This activity helps foster empathy and awareness about the struggles of those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

Another stall features a ring-throwing game aimed at educating people about the process for adopting an orphan from Caritas Goa’s shelter homes. The game involves five stages, each representing a step in the adoption process. Successfully landing rings on all five stages earns players a soft toy prize. However, the real reward lies in understanding the adoption process. “This initiative is very timely as the number of couples in Goa seeking to adopt a child is on the rise,” said Fr. Fernandes.

At the stall run by St. Bridget’s Institute of Home Nursing (a Caritas Goa project providing nursing education and home care services), visitors can witness live demonstrations of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This experience teaches people a valuable life-saving skill.

A stall by Pravasi Bandhu (a Caritas Goa initiative focused on the welfare and rights of migrant workers) features an activity that immerses visitors in the challenges faced by unorganized laborers in Goa. This unique experience sheds light on the struggles endured by this vulnerable community.

Near the stalls stands a wishing well bearing the motto #ChangeForChange. Visitors can toss spare change into the well and make a wish. The contributions collected here will go toward uplifting marginalized communities, transforming spare coins into symbols of hope and love.

Empowering Communities and Generating Income

Beyond generating awareness, the stalls by Caritas Goa at the exposition site also feature products crafted by beneficiaries of the organization's various initiatives. These include handmade bracelets, biscuits, bebinca, spicy chiwda, and other treats. Women belonging to the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) run by Caritas Goa also sell a wide range of handmade products at the stalls. These include clothes, herbal soaps, and festive hampers.

“The proceeds from the sale of these products directly benefit the individuals taken care of by Caritas Goa's various initiatives," Fr. Fernandes explained. "This helps them to become financially self-reliant and also gain a sense of dignity through their work”.

A Positive Response from the Public

Fr. Fernandes says that the response to the stalls set up by Caritas Goa has been overwhelmingly positive. “Visitors are not only buying the products sold at our stalls but are also taking time out to learn more about our organization's various projects,” he said. “Many people have shared their interest in coming back to help us, either through donations or volunteering. This engagement reflects a growing awareness of the vital work being done by our organization”, he added.

Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, the Caritas Goa stalls at the Se Catedral in Old Goa continue to attract visitors, who leave not only with unique handmade products but also with a deeper understanding of the importance of social responsibility and charitable work in Goa. As the Exposition continues until January 5, 2025, Caritas Goa’s stalls remain an unmissable destination for anyone looking to contribute to meaningful causes while enjoying a fun and educational experience.

By Steve Antao