On July 19, 2026, Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation, delivered an informative awareness talk on organ donation to approximately 200 parishioners of Our Lady of Miracles Church, Morjim, Goa, following the 7:00 a.m. Eucharistic Mass.

Before the session, Rev. Fr. Fermino Savio D'Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Miracles Church, informed the congregation that Gabriel would be given about 15 minutes after the final blessing and announcements to explain the concept of organ donation, ensuring that the Mass concluded on time without inconveniencing the faithful.

During the session, Gabriel highlighted the urgent need for organ donation in Goa, explaining that around 88 patients are currently on the waiting list for life-saving organ transplants. He informed the parishioners that, at present, Goa performs only kidney and cornea transplants and briefly introduced them to the transplant hospitals in the state.

A major focus of the talk was clarifying the difference between organ donation and tissue donation. Gabriel explained that only individuals declared brain dead in a hospital can become organ donors, while those who pass away at home may still be able to donate tissues such as corneas, skin and, if they wish, donate their whole body for medical education and research. He also emphasised that organ donation is possible only when the organs are medically suitable for transplantation and the family gives consent, as required under Indian law.

Drawing attention to the growing number of patients suffering from kidney failure, many of whom undergo regular dialysis in villages across Goa, Gabriel reminded the congregation that one organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of over 50 others through tissue donation. He shared that his commitment to organ donation awareness was inspired by a kidney failure in his own family, motivating him to educate communities across Goa.

Encouraging parishioners to make an informed decision, Gabriel urged them to first understand the facts about organ donation and then discuss their wishes with their family members. He stressed that, in India, the family's consent is essential for organ, tissue, and whole-body donation, making open family conversations extremely important. 

To help parishioners learn more, Gabriel distributed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) leaflets outside the church. The flyers included a QR code through which interested individuals could pledge to become organ donors, along with a toll-free helpline number for anyone seeking further information or clarification regarding organ donation.

At the conclusion of the session, Gabriel expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Fermino Savio D'Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Miracles Church, Morjim, Goa for the opportunity to address the parish community and support the mission of spreading awareness about the life-saving gift of organ donation.