Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 1: Olavina Halli Rehabilitation and Community Development Centre has marked another significant milestone in its 50-year journey of compassionate service with the inauguration of a new residential block for destitute women. The facility, dedicated as a golden jubilee memorial, can accommodate 75 women and offers them a safe, comfortable and dignified living environment.
Until now, the women had been accommodated in three small, dilapidated houses with tiled roofs. The newly constructed building marks a major improvement in their living conditions, providing better facilities, security and a renewed sense of belonging.
Olavina Halli, managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa, is a sanctuary of care and compassion for young women with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities and destitute senior citizens, both men and women. The institution's dedicated service was recognised with the prestigious 2024 Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award.
Founded in 1974 by Sr Amelia Cimolino in a village near Thalapady, around 18 kilometres from Mangaluru, the institution initially focused on rehabilitating individuals recovering from leprosy and tuberculosis. With advancements in medical treatment reducing the prevalence of these illnesses, Olavina Halli gradually expanded its mission to provide a loving home and family environment for abandoned elderly people, destitute individuals and young women with intellectual disabilities.
The new residential block has been made possible through the generous contributions of local donors and well-wishers. Philanthropist Michael D'Souza extended a major share of the financial support. Other contributors included the children of Alphonse and Gemma Coelho, Antonietta Cimolino and the Association of Polse Olavina Halli.
The building features spacious ten-bed accommodation rooms with attached bathrooms, along with dedicated facilities for doctors, nurses and physiotherapy services. These facilities are designed to ensure improved healthcare, comfort and holistic care for the residents.
A special feature of the new building is a memorial museum dedicated to the institution's founder, Sr Amelia Cimolino. The museum preserves her inspiring legacy and honours her pioneering spirit, selfless dedication and lifelong commitment to serving humanity.
The residential block was inaugurated by Sr Luisa Bonforte, assistant general of the Sisters of Charity, in the presence of Michael D'Souza and his family. The basement floor and memorial museum were inaugurated by Antonietta and Elizabetha Cimolino, nieces of Sr Amelia Cimolino, along with her friends from Italy. The entire building was blessed by bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangaluru.
The occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr M Vijaya Kumar, former medical director of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, and pro-chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte; Prathiba, assistant account officer, MESCOM, Konaje; Sandhya, Panchayat Development Officer of Thalapady Gram Panchayat; Amzath Khan, Village Accountant of Thalapady Gram Panchayat; Fr Victor D'Mello, parish priest of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Paneer; Fr Cyril Pinto, Chaplain of Olavina Halli; Ivan Sequeira of Patrao Caterers, Valencia; and Ravindranatha K, Red Cross member and former Public Relations Officer of Vijaya Bank.
Addressing the gathering, Michael D'Souza appreciated the Sisters of Charity for their selfless and commendable service to neglected and marginalised sections of society, often without seeking publicity or recognition. Referring to the significance of All Saints' Day and Karnataka Rajyotsava, he encouraged everyone to embrace holiness through acts of love, kindness and service to the poor and needy.
Sr Luisa Bonforte expressed gratitude for the dedicated service of the sisters and highlighted the importance of solidarity and synodality in carrying forward their mission of mercy and compassion.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha commended the congregation for its silent, steadfast and tireless works of mercy. Recalling the Sisters' response to the question of what they gained by serving the needy, he shared their inspiring words: "I receive grace when I see their smiling faces." He said the response reflected the joy and spiritual fulfilment found in selfless service.
Prathiba expressed happiness at being part of the celebration and conveyed her best wishes to the Sisters for the continued success of their mission.
Dr M Vijaya Kumar offered suggestions for sustaining and strengthening the institution's work. He encouraged people to support the beneficiaries by sponsoring a day's meals and pledged his own contribution towards the initiative.
As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, former administrators and individuals who had contributed to the institution's development were felicitated. Engineer C J Lobo, contractor Richard Rodrigues, Joy, who handled electrical and plumbing works, and supervisor Prashanth were honoured in recognition of their dedicated service and valuable contributions.
The programme began with a welcome address by Sr Aileen Mathias, Administrator and Superior of Olavina Halli. Accountant Ananda proposed the vote of thanks, while Sr Noeline and Sr Lima compered the event. The celebration was made memorable through the wholehearted cooperation of the neighbouring community, particularly parishioners of the first and second Wards of Olavina Halli Church.
The inauguration of the new residential block marks more than the completion of a building. It stands as a tribute to five decades of sacrifice, generosity and compassionate service, carrying forward the vision of founder Sr Amelia Cimolino. Above all, the facility represents a new beginning for 75 women, offering them greater comfort, security and dignity.
At Olavina Halli, the spirit of love continues, restores dignity and transforms lives.