Mumbai Parish Organizes 42nd Blood Donation Camp as Lenten Service

The Legion of Mary from St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Ville Parle, a suburban parish in Mumbai, western India, organized its 42nd blood donation camp on March 29 under the theme “Donate Blood, Save Lives.”

The camp was held in partnership with Holy Spirit Hospital in Andheri.

The initiative, first launched in 1984, has over the years collaborated with several hospitals across Mumbai. Today, the Legion maintains a special partnership with Holy Spirit Hospital, where many parishioners seek medical care.

Traditionally held during the Lenten season, the camp reflects the sacrifice and love of Jesus, with parishioners viewing blood donation as a symbolic act of saving lives. This year, 70 parishioners volunteered, though only 49 were eligible to donate due to low hemoglobin levels among some participants.

As part of its broader mission, the Legion of Mary also visits parishioners’ homes to encourage and prepare them for this act of charity toward those they may never meet.

Several donors shared their reflections:

• Peter Braganza, donating for the seventh time, said, “It means serving God and my neighbor. Spiritually, it helps me grow in love for God and others.”
• Anu Joyce Fernandes, donating for the eleventh time, said, “It makes me feel happy. It means saving lives.”
• Ryden Francis D’Souza, donating for the second time, said, “As a Catholic, it is an act of charity. During the Lenten season, it brings happiness and participation in thanksgiving to our Lord.”

Through this long-standing initiative, the Legion of Mary continues to translate faith into action, linking the spiritual significance of Lent with tangible service to the wider community.