An organ donation awareness session was conducted on April 9, 2026, at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol by Gabriel Pereira, an organ donation ambassador representing the MOHAN Foundation. The session aimed to educate seminarians about the importance of organ donation and encourage them to become advocates for this vital cause.
The Rachol Seminary, also known as Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, is the diocesan major seminary of the Primatial Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in Rachol, Goa. Gabriel began the session by introducing himself and sharing his personal journey and motivation for becoming an organ donation ambassador. His introduction set a meaningful tone and helped establish a connection with the seminarians.
The session was highly interactive, with active participation from the seminarians. Gabriel used a PowerPoint presentation to explain key concepts related to organ donation, including its legal aspects. To engage the audience further, he posed questions about transplant hospitals in Goa and the types of organs transplanted there. Seminarians who answered correctly were rewarded with MOHAN Foundation keychains featuring the organisation’s logo and the organ donation transplant toll-free helpline number.
An important point emphasized during the session was that for organ donation to be successful, one’s intention must be clearly communicated to the next of kin. In the context of the seminarians’ future roles as priests, Gabriel advised them to inform both their family members and their Superior General about their decision to be organ donors.
Approximately 40 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) flyers were distributed among the participants. These flyers included essential information about organ donation along with a QR code, enabling individuals to pledge as organ donors at a later stage. 6 seminarians took the donor cards
A significant part of the session focused on aligning organ donation with Catholic values. Gabriel emphasised the dual dimensions of the Christian cross—spiritual and social—and encouraged the seminarians to recognise organ donation as an act of service and compassion. As future priests, they should keep in mind to spread awareness about organ donation within their parishes and communities, integrating it into their pastoral mission.
The session concluded with Gabriel expressing his gratitude to Rev. Fr. Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the seminary, for providing the opportunity to conduct the session. He reiterated that organ donation is a crucial and life-saving cause that requires collective awareness and support.
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