India - Options for the Poor

Here is the first guest post on our lenten soup series, written by parishioner and CRS Ambassador, Cate. The full post can be viewed on her blog here.

The first Sunday of Lent CRS Operation Rice Bowl featured the country of India. It focused on Options for the Poor. Catholic Relief Services wrote: "Catholic social teaching inspires and guides how we are to live and work in the world. In this principle, Option for the Poor, Jesus tells us to give special care to those who are most in need. He reminds us of our Christian duty to give a voice to those who are unheard and to help those who are most vulnerable." Here's a video of the Singh Family:
 

Christ our Hope Catholic Church started its Lenten CRS Rice Bowl Awareness Soup Suppers organized by the CRS Ambassadors and the COH Outreach Committee. After the Sunday 7 pm mass, we started with a video featuring India and a prayer by Fr Paul while the attendees waited for the soup service. Rachel and Jay (both from India and also two of our COH Parishioners) gave a beautiful testimony of how it was, growing up as a catholic in India. They shared their stories of challenge and hope. It was a heartwarming message. In India, there are over 250 million people living at $1.90 a day, while over 48 million (39%) of children under age five suffer from stunting—an indicator of chronic malnutrition. In addition, human trafficking remains a major concern throughout the country while natural and man-made disasters continue to affect India every year. CRS works with Caritas India and other local partners; international and regional NGOs; and the US Government, private foundations and other donors to respond to these needs. (CRS Ric Bowl) Rachel witnessed that in India,  "most Catholics were under the caste system as untouchables". But with great catholic influential people in their communities, they were able to achieve a better future. Jay and Rachel also brought a traditional Indian Soup called Daal which was was served over rice. Katherine H. donated a pot of vegetable soup and the CRS Ambassadors made a traditional peasant food called Dalma with Spinach - a featured Indian recipe at the CRS Rice Bowl website. Here's a video of how to make Dalma:

The event was a success. We served to approximately 80 plus residents, parishioners and visitors. The message of global solidarity was apparent in our church that night - our very own parish community solidarity. St. Mother Theresa reminded us again why she dedicated her life to serving the poor of India through her words: Let's continue to give back for a great cause.