St. Mary’s Church, Hegde Nagar, Bangalore, organized a special “Outreach Programme” for the Hindi-speaking Catholic nomadic community, under the leadership of the Parish priest, Fr. Boniface D’Souza.
Extending love, care, and support to the Hindi-speaking Catholic nomadic community in the surrounding areas, recognizing their vulnerability, the parish community took a step as part of its mission to serve the poor and the excluded through the social teaching of the Church.

The main objective of the program was to establish contact and build trust with the Catholic nomadic community, to offer spiritual support, and to promote hygiene and health awareness.
The program began with a prayer song and a welcome speech.
Fr. Boniface D Souza addressed the gathering, speaking about the dignity of all people and the church’s mission to serve.

The parish youth performed a variety of programs, including action songs, dance, singing, fun, and games, which kept the children engaged. Rashmi Sundi compared the program, and Shaline Serao W/O Preetam Serao a parishioner (also a social worker), came forward to help them to avail a social ID and an Aadhar card. She also promised to provide some social benefits.
Almost a hundred people were present at the gathering. At the end of the program, food packets were served.

Future Plans:
Plan to organize a medical camp in collaboration with nearby hospitals, and provide basic literacy and skill training for interested children and adults.
Celebrate major feasts like Christmas and Easter with the community.

The outreach program was a humble attempt to live by the gospel and reach Christ in the poor and the marginalized. It not only brought joy to the nomadic families but also strengthened the spirit of charity within the parish community. St. Mary’s church hopes to continue walking with the least and the lost with God’s grace.