by Cl. Eusebius Nongkhlaw for BIS Mumbai

On the afternoon of March 7, 2025, a group of dedicated brothers, along with Fr Ian Pinto, the administrator of Divyadaan, set forth on a meaningful mission called “Mile for Christ.” Departing at precisely 1.40 pm, they embarked on a journey that would take them to three oratories: Siddhartnagar, Sarvasnagar, and Maghdalabad. In the spirit of collaboration, the brothers were divided into three groups, each assigned to a different destination, with the hope of bringing joy and relief to those in need, especially with sharing of clothes collected from brothers themselves.

The first group made their way to Siddhartnagar, where they immediately began distributing clothes to the local children. Upon their arrival, five brothers called upon a few boys who had been designated to assist in distributing the items. However, the clothes were gone in the blink of an eye, testament to the pressing need in the community. The quick depletion of resources reflected both the generosity of the brothers and the demand for such basic necessities.

Afterward, brothers Presley, Abhijit, Eusebius, and Fr Ian set their sights on the next destination, Maghdalabad. Upon arriving, they were greeted by only a handful of children. Though they eagerly invited the youngsters to receive clothing, they quickly encountered a challenge: many of the garments were simply too large for the children, and most of the older boys had already left for school. This turn of events did not discourage the group, and they pressed on to their final stop at Sarvasnagar, a location unfamiliar to them, but full of promise.

In Sarvasnagar, the brothers engaged with the local community, inquiring if anyone was in need of clothing. Before long, a crowd began to gather, and the clothes were quickly distributed, disappearing in mere minutes. It was a humbling sight, as the items that were once neatly folded were now eagerly embraced by those who had waited patiently for the opportunity.

By 3.15 pm, the group returned to Divyadaan, their hearts overflowing with a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. The mission, though simple in its essence, had brought immense happiness to all involved. They thanked God for His guidance, protection, and the grace that accompanied them on their journey. Special thanks was extended to the brothers of Divyadaan, who generously contributed their own clothing to this mission, and to Fr Ian Pinto, whose unwavering support, including the provision of a vehicle, ensured the success of the mission. The group also expressed their deep gratitude to all fellow brothers whose selfless service and cooperation made the day a success, exemplifying the true spirit of “Mile for Christ.”