A Catholic bishop in India is to donate one of his kidneys to a poor Hindu man, in what is believed to be a world first for a bishop.
Bishop Jacob Muricken completed all legal formalities on Friday so he could donate a kidney to a man who media named as E. Sooraj.
Bishop Muricken, 52, is the auxiliary bishop of Syro-Malabar diocese of Palai in India.
A kidney transplant is needed to save the life of Mr Sooraj, 30, who is suffering from organ failure.
“This is perhaps for the first time in the history, a serving bishop is donating one of his kidneys to save a valuable life,” said Kidney Federation chairman Fr Davis Chiramal.
He said the organ transplantation surgery involving the bishop will be performed at Lakeshore Hospital, Ernakulam, on June 1.
“Sooraj belongs to a very poor family. He is the sole bread winner of his family comprising his mother and wife”, Fr Chiramal said.
He had lost his father four years ago. Later, his brother died of heart attack.
“Hearing his sad stories, the bishop decided to donate one of his kidneys to the Hindu [man]
“We also want to generate money from generous people for successfully completing the organ transplantation surgery,” the priest said.
Fr Chiramal had previously donated one of his own kidneys to an ailing patient.
Bishop Muricken said he felt inspired upon hearing a talk given by the priest.
Sources