Mangaluru: The Mangaluru diocese will construct 25 houses for the Chennai flood victims, Bishop of the diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, informed on Wednesday, December 23.

He was speaking during the Christmas celebrations held with the journalists at his official residence here. He said that the funds for the purpose have been donated by people of 116 churches in the purview of the diocese.

The Bishop also said that drinking water facility will be setup at his gate for the general public.

Comparing the Santa Claus and Christmas stars to love and joy, he urged the public to spread the message of peace and mercy as said by Pope Francis on December 8, 2015 while proclaiming the year of mercy-2016. He wished goodness to all Indians, the old and the young, poor and the weak, and prayed for harmony.

Vicar general of the Mangaluru diocese Msgr Dennis Prabhu and Chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira were among the present.