CODP Golden Jubilee 1974-2024 Documentary Episode-5 - Rev. Fr Gerald Isaac Lobo

Charity has been an integral part of the Church right from its inception. Jesus himself proclaims that “whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me”. The infant Church had shown concern towards poor and widows by making a collection for them. Over the centuries the Church has obeyed the mandate of the Lord to love the poor and downtrodden.

But, today the world longs for integral well-being of the human person and feels that economic and social progress must be directed towards it. This means that people are not mere living beings but they have to be treated in accordance with their human dignity and in accordance with their needs, which are not only material but also cultural, social, political, educational and spiritual.

The approach and similarly the strategy towards the upliftment or development of the needy has undergone evolution as per the times. Till recently the approach towards poverty was charity. However, as the developmental sciences advanced, the Church also adopted scientific strategies towards development. Nevertheless, charity would continue to be a part of the Church for ever. This is evident as one glances through the history of CODP.

On the completion of 50 years of service to humanity it was decided to place on record the good works done by the Church of Mangalore through its developmental wing called ‘Canara Organization for Development & Peace’, which is popularly known as CODP, right from its inception in 1974.

In a span of five decades, CODP has implemented several projects and programmes on socio-economic development, health, education, environment, for building communities, establishing harmony, etc. But unfortunately, it lacked a thorough system of documenting the facts and figures relating to its efforts and achievements.

This document is an attempt at tracing the history of the organization (CODP) and therefore, we have made an effort to streamline all of CODP’s projects, programmes, events and activities and record them in a chronological order right from its inception, i.e. from 1974 to 2024. Since its inception, CODP has been led by Seven Directors. This compilation presents an opportunity to also record and acknowledge the services/contributions of CODP’s Executive Directors during their tenure in the Organization.

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