Voter ID Mapping and Government Services Initiative at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail Back

Voter ID Mapping and Government Services Initiative at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail

Catholic Sabha - Derebail Unit, Most Holy Redeemer Church in collaboration with the Commission for Laity, Commission for Social Development, Commission for Labour, Commission for Justice and Peace, and Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue, successfully organised a Voter ID Mapping Drive along with a special service counter to facilitate various government-related services on 22 February 2026 at the Church Banquet Hall.

The initiative aimed at creating awareness among parishioners and the general public about the importance of voter ID mapping while also providing assistance for correction and renewal of Aadhaar cards, voter ID corrections and renewals, and other essential government documentation services.

The programme was scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m.; however, owing to the overwhelming response and large gathering of people from early morning, the services were initiated at 9:30 a.m. to efficiently manage the crowd. Due to the heavy rush outside the hall, the formal inaugural programme could not be conducted as planned. Nevertheless, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr Joseph Martis invoked God’s blessings upon the initiative, praying for the smooth conduct and success of the event.

The response from the public was remarkable, with more than 550 people participating and making meaningful use of the opportunity provided. The programme witnessed the participation not only of Catholics but also of people from the Hindu and Muslim communities, reflecting the true spirit of unity, harmony, and social responsibility. A total of 12 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were present throughout the programme to carry out the voter ID mapping process and to assist the public with accurate information and necessary procedures. The BLOs, along with representatives of the Catholic Sabha and various Church Commissions, ensured that the entire event was conducted in an orderly and systematic manner. They patiently guided the attendees, clarified their doubts, and facilitated the smooth completion of the required formalities.

Mrs Lizzy Pinto and Mrs Wilma Dsouza from the Community Empowerment Trust were also present at the venue. They provided detailed information regarding various government welfare schemes and assisted people with renewal and rectification of identification documents. Their presence added immense value to the programme by ensuring that beneficiaries were made aware of the facilities available to them and were guided in availing these services correctly.

Rev. Fr Steevan Nelson Peris, Assistant Parish Priest, was also present on the occasion and conveyed his blessings and good wishes for the success of the initiative. His encouraging words and support further strengthened the spirit of service and unity among the organisers and volunteers.
The Vice President and Secretary of PPC Mr Denzil Fernandes, and Mrs Clotilda Dsouza, Coordinator of the Commissions Mrs Pramila Furtado, Catholic Sabha President Mr Nelson Castelino, Secretary Mrs Shaila Noronha, and the in-charges of various commissions, namely Mr Arun Pinto, Mr Alwyn Quadras, Mr Kishore Cutinha, and Mr Ronald Vas graced the occasion. Their active involvement and supervision contributed significantly to the effective organisation and coordination of the programme. 

The youth of the parish and members of the Catholic Sabha also extended their wholehearted support and volunteered tirelessly, assisting in crowd management, registration, and guiding the participants, thereby playing a crucial role in making the programme a grand success.

The programme concluded at 2:00 p.m., marking the successful completion of a meaningful and community-oriented initiative. The Voter ID Mapping Drive and government service assistance camp not only strengthened civic awareness among the people but also reflected the Church’s commitment towards social responsibility, community empowerment, and active participation in democratic processes.