Missionary Profile

Veleru, Via: Madikonda, Dist. Warangal
India

Ordained in 1997 by the Warangal diocese, Fr. G. Prakash is the pastor of St. Frances de Sales Church in Veleru, India. Prior to coming to Veleru, he served as parish priest of Kamalapuram as well as a missionary in the Diocese of Vijayawada, India.

Veleru is predominantly rural in character, recent droughts have had a significant effect on its agriculture. The local parish has an estimated 1,000 Catholic families with an average of 8-10 people in each family. Most of the adults are day labourers; if they miss a day of work for any reason, their families often have to make do with only one meal the following day. A husband and wife, when both work, bring in around $2 US dollars pay per day. Many children, once they reach the age of 10 are sent to work to support their family.

During Fr. Prakash's visits to different villages he came across some orphans who were living in pitiful conditions. Many were orphaned because their parents died of various illnesses. Fr. Prakash started a home for them; presently there are ten orphans at the home.

Although Fr. Prakash realizes that "no amount of financial help will ever be able to help their emancipation" he has committed himself to helping these children receive an education. In his own words, "Today's children are tomorrow's citizens. Educate a child today and he will educate a society tomorrow." Therefore he gives them free room and board, medical care, books, and sends them to the village school. It takes on average $1,000 US dollars annually to educate these children.

Fr. Prakash, the Warangal orphans, and the Church in India are in need of our financial and spiritual assistance. Please think of how you might be able to assist Fr. Prakash. Keep him and his mission work in your prayers and special intentions.