A Latin Catholic Diocese in Thiruvananthapuram district has introduced blood donation as an offering in church.

The diocese made the announcement on June 14, World Blood Donation Day.

“Blood donation is one of the greatest offerings, so we decided to introduce it,” said Fr. Valsalan Jose, parish priest of Kochupally church Kamukincode, Neyyattinkara.

The church has set up a permanent counter for blood donation. People wishing to donate blood can fill out an application. The church has made arrangements with blood banks to collect and store blood. Once 40 people donate, the blood will be delivered to the blood bank.

On the first day, there were 100 donors, Fr Valsalan said. “This may be the first venture in Kerala to make blood donation as an offering, we are glad to initiate this,” Fr Valsalan said.

The offering was introduced in the church as the Catholic Church is observing 2016 as Holy Year of Mercy until November, as declared by Pope Francis, Valsalan said.