Villagers in Thurakapalem, India
It all started with an unassuming question over dinner.
A few years ago, as parishioners at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Calgary, my wife and I enjoyed getting to know one of our Associate Priests, Fr. Joseph Nagothu. He had recently arrived in Canada from India. After serving for a year in our parish, he was transferred to St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, but before he left we took him out for dinner to one of our favourite local Indian restaurants. As we chatted over tea at the end of our meal, we asked him a question we had never asked before: What was it really like to live in India, in the small village where he grew up? His description of everyday life in his home village of Thurakapalem was more than an eye-opener.
Fr. Joseph described, with surprising nonchalance, how multi-generational families lived in small, cramped huts made of mud. Thatched straw roofs needed constant repairs because of damage from monsoon rains and strong winds. Wild dogs, poisonous snakes and rats invaded the huts with frequent regularity. The lack of a safe source of clean water produced a myriad of health problems for the villagers. We also found out that most of the villagers, like Fr. Joseph’s family, were faith-filled Catholics. With rapt attention, we sat and listened and asked questions, until the waiters signaled that it was time to close the restaurant.
Fr. Joseph’s stories stayed in our hearts and minds, even after he was transferred to St. Bonaventure. A seed had been planted, and it wasn’t long before a small band of like-minded people from St. Joseph and St. Bonaventure parishes joined together to respond to the need for better housing in Thurakapalem.
In 2012, the housing initiative was approved by Bishop Henry, with the support of our Diocesan Mission Council. We decided to raise $25,000 for a pilot project, building a safe and secure home for a needy family in the village identified by Fr. Joseph. The project was named the VIKAS India Housing Project. Vikas is the Sanskrit word for development or expansion, and it was with expanding spirits that we began reaching out to generous Calgarians.
Construction of foundation, Pilot Project
After a wonderful awareness-raising evening at St. Bonaventure Church, which included Indian food, Indian music and a presentation by Fr. Joseph, we reached our goal and the pilot project was begun. Villagers helped the family to build a strong new home with concrete and iron walls, fresh water, electricity and sanitation.
After construction was completed, we were privileged to take part in a Skype call with the family (who had to travel to a nearby town to access the internet), with Fr. Joseph translating their overwhelmed, heartfelt thanks. A few months later, Fr. Joseph traveled to his home village, and presided at a dedication Mass in the family’s new home. It was an incredible experience from start to finish.
Fr. Joseph Nagothu; Photo Ray Factura
The pilot project was only the beginning. Fr. Joseph was transferred again within the Calgary Diocese, this time to serve at St. Rita’s Church in Rockyford and St. Mary’s in Beiseker. With members of St. Rita’s, we were ready to build on our success in the pilot project and launch a bigger initiative. Our goal was to raise $150,000 and build new homes for twelve families in the village. The Thurakapalem village community selected the families based on need. Thanks largely to the efforts of hard-working members at St. Rita’s Parish, a Gala Fundraiser with Silent Auction was held, which included a performance of Indian dancing. It was definitely an evening to remember.
Earlier this month, we were thrilled to share the news that, thanks to the support of many donors, foundations and other bighearted folks, we have reached a milestone: $100,000 has been raised. This means we will soon begin disbursing funds to initiate the first phase of construction. Exciting news, indeed!
Under the supervision of the village Project Manager, the villagers will demolish the huts, mark off their properties, purchase materials, and lay foundations for 12 new homes. The money will be used to purchase materials and pay the engineer, supervisors and labourers, who greatly appreciate the employment opportunity.
Once this first phase has been accomplished, with photos and phone reports from the Project Manager, we will release further funding for the construction of the structures. Fr. Joseph will be visiting the village in January 2016 to check on the progress.
We still have $50,000 to go to reach our final goal of $150,000. The final phase will provide for the finishing of the 12 homes, including doors, windows, flooring and other details. We march on together, with hearts thankful to God for blessing this project. For members of three Calgary Diocese parishes who have joined together with villagers in India to better their community, it’s been a life-expanding journey of hope, learning and love.
Interested in joining us on this journey? For more information or to make a donation, contact Bill Locke at billocke@shaw.ca or call 403-874-1814. Tax receipts will be issued by the Diocesan Mission Council.
