Society Matters | Volume 31 No. 2 | Winter 2021

5 Volume 31 No. 2 | Winter 2021 “Many children have benefited from this Youth Education Project. We really see our children progressing in their lives and their parents are also very grateful to us. “We sincerely thank you for your support to our ministry. May God continue to bless you and repay you abundantly.” Fr D’Souza also expressed gratitude for the AUS Province’s support of another project which supports twins born in the Diocese of Mananjary. “In the Diocese of Mananjary we have a prominent tribe called ‘Antam-bavoaka’. This tribe does not take care of twins! It’s a bad omen to the society according to this tribe,” he says. “So, if someone has given birth to twins, then they are forced to leave them in the orphanages. Otherwise the parents would be ex-communicated from the tribe. “So we try to conscientise our Christians to take care of their twins, in spite of the rejection in the tribe. “We help them financially and pay the school fees of the twins. If the twins are still small, then we help them buy milk and other essential food for them. We also provide them with medical assistance.” Fr D’Souza says the Divine Word Missionaries have also helped some families to repair their houses and helped them buy animals like cows, pigs and chickens in order to strengthen their financial circumstances. “Rejection of twins is a social evil and we try to educate our Christians to do away with this practice,” he says. “There are some Christians who have taken it as a challenge and they bring up their twins. We have been warriors in this regard and we seek your support to help us root out this evil practice from society.” Missionaries in recognition of birthdays and anniversaries or other notable occasions. “In that way they are linked spiritually to the masses and prayers of more than 6,000 Divine Word priests, brothers and seminarians around the world, ensuring that your special intentions will be remembered.” Five masses in seven different countries are expressly celebrated each day for Mission Mass League members. The donor will receive a special membership certificate. Membership enrolments are available in four categories: One year or Perpetual for Individuals and One year or Perpetual for Families. Papal approval was given for the Mission Mass League by Pope Pius XII and has been confirmed by all succeeding pontiffs. “We highly recommend the Mission Mass League. It is our ardent desire and hope that it will be a source of support for the Church in her missionary work. To all who are enrolled and to those who spread the Mission Mass League I give my Apostolic Blessing” (Pope Pius XI, Vatican, 3/11/1979)