When the present is unprecedented, the reaction too has to be at par. However, it is also important to mention, that during such times the reaction in most cases is limited to self-preservation and looking out for one’s family. Yet there are a few who take a leap of faith and strive beyond the realm of this intrinsic intuition, and the service provided by St. Theresa’s team that organizes the “Meals on Wheels” initiative has done just that.
The program is actually an extension of St. Theresa’s existing reach-out program called ‘The Food Kitchen’ through which food is distributed from the church lawn twice a week. However, as the lockdown got imposed, a large gathering of people was not permissible. None the less with the need of the hour, having never been more real, Thelma D’Silva was driven to act. She realised that although the needy couldn’t come to get their meal; there was still a way to get the meal to them. Through the “Meals on Wheels” program the team has successfully catered to the needs of more than 11,000 persons in need by distributing food from a large tempo carrier.
Pope Francis’s words resonated and inspired her “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. This is how prayer works.” Adopting this as the war cry, she and 5 other Covid-Warriors began distributing food to the homeless and to those who had gotten completely embroiled in the pandemic. When the first drive took place on the 3rd of April, the team got aware of the ground reality. They immediately altered their plans and instead of distributing thrice a week at 4 spots, they expanded their reach to 6 spots throughout the week, except on Sundays. The areas that they cover include, Pali Naka, outside SVD House, SV Road; Khar Village, Khar junction, near Rajasthan restaurant; Khar Railway Station & main Bandra signal. The number of people they serve has also witnessed a steep rise, from the 80 persons they catered to initially; at the given point in time, they serve 380 – 400 people every day.
“The experience has been holistic in nature.” states founder and organizer, Thelma D’Silva, “But most importantly we feel safe in the protective hands of God. Along this journey, we’ve experienced many moments of joy, especially when we see the smiles on all faces we serve. We have felt the power of miracles, at those times when we felt the food would run short but fed more than we imagined; sadness to see the sheer impact and the difficulties faced by the poor and homeless; fear while serving alcoholics and drug addicts who have no control over themselves; appreciation when people come back and tell us how they enjoyed the meal. But above all, we have felt the arms of Jesus around us, protecting us every single day when we are on the field.”
The team continues to serve even during lockdown 5 and thank the parish and the donors who have supported and encouraged them along the way. Special thanks also to Khar police station for their support. People who want to donate to this noble cause can contribute to the below-mentioned bank details.
A/c name: St. Theresa’s Church Food Kitchen
Bank Name: Bassein Catholic Co-operative Bank Ltd
SB A/C no: 052100100000087
IFSC: BACB0000052
Type of A/c: Current
Address: Turner Heights, Almeida Park Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
