In these COVID times where due to the lockdown, when the migrants and homeless find it difficult to find a decent meal for the day, St. Peter’s Church runs a Manna on Wheels programme to feed these affected persons; Manna being the biblical name for ‘food’. The projected initiated by Dr. Richard Pereira and his wife Canice and started on the 30th of March with 25 food packets in their own car accompanied by Fr. Gerard Rodricks; today feeds 1500 persons daily through 10 cars and over 20 volunteers. The cars venture out in different marked up zones in the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz area. Partnering with the St. Joseph the Worker Church helped reach out to the needy in Bandra East area as well. Manna on Wheels received utmost support and was hugely appreciated by Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas, Parish Priest at St. Peter’s.
The fillip to the programme was when St. Peter’s Youth were brought on board by their coordinator Arabelle. They brought in a huge amount of enthusiasm and joy into the project. On Easter Sunday, the youth personally baked cakes as an add on to the meals for all persons. Other volunteers from different Parish Churches and other faiths too joined in and their passion and zeal was infectious and helped take the initiative to a newer level.
More than 200 donors have come forward to chip in generously despite the harsh economic slowdown. The funds help this project serve piping hot fresh quality standard meals prepared hygienically by Vaibhav Foods and Al-Ron Caterers. Many others came forward offering their cars, drivers, facemasks and other ways to support the project.
Dr. Richard personally believes in the biblical adage that when God guides He provides; it’s just finding the end and the means will follow. He appreciates the support of Fr. Frazer right from the start and the constant encouragement of Fr. Gerard; and also the families that have supported their members being part of this initiative.
Till date over 15000 meals have been served and if the lockdown extends, the project intends to continue. The Youth and other volunteers have been fearless yet taking all the precautions of social distancing, masking and sanitization.
Dr. Richard is happy that this project is a contribution of the Church in reaching out to Society and is super proud of the team behind it: Arabelle, Shawn, Liam, Dr. Simone, Golda, Mallaika, Terrence, Anil, Pooja, Griselle, Jocelin, Candice, Jason, Daisy, Sam, Jerry, Milton, Allwyn, Rebecca, Savio, Sherize, Nikhil, Reagan and Dylan. He feels every volunteer, donor and prayer partner who pray for the project daily for the safety of all, have played an important role in contributing of themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime crisis.
The project has been a testimony to teamwork and service with Christlike love. And to conclude in the words of one of the Youth, Liam who said ‘repayment is only with happiness seen on the faces of those receiving that Manna’
