On July 6, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador, MOHAN Foundation, conducted an awareness session on organ donation for seminarians and priests at the All-India Mission Seminary (Society of Pilar), Pilar, Goa.
The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, known as the Society of Pilar, was founded in 1887 by Fr. Bento Martins in Agonda, Goa, with its headquarters moved to Pilar in 1890 and reorganised in 1939.
Fr. Norman Almedia, SFX, Rector of the seminary, welcomed Gabriel and expressed gratitude for conducting the session. Around 25 seminarians and priests attended.
Gabriel shared his personal connection to the cause, having been inspired to promote organ donation after a family member received a transplant six years ago. He explained key aspects of organ donation, including types of death and the organs and tissues that can be donated in each scenario, with a focus on understanding brain stem death. He also explained how organ allocation is managed by SOTTO–Goa and discussed the roles of ROTTO and NOTTO.
The session included a PowerPoint presentation with videos on brain death, an introduction to MOHAN Foundation, guidance on obtaining and using an organ donor card, and a testimony by Ms. Shreya Siddanagowder. Gabriel also shared the trailer of the film "Aye Zindagi," available on YouTube, to illustrate the impact of organ donation.
Flyers containing frequently asked questions on organ donation were distributed to enhance understanding, and Gabriel emphasised the importance of informing family members about one's decision to donate, as family consent is a critical step in the process.
The session concluded with Gabriel thanking Fr. Norman Almedia, SFX, for facilitating the talk and supporting the cause of organ donation.
-ACT,-2011.gif){kind=spacer}
