Johnas Sequeira
Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 14: "Love is not patronizing, and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same - with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead," said Mother Teresa. In this context very often we find families finding it difficult to look after their elderly parents or grandparents due to various reasons, and sending them to old age homes. There are also people who are neglected by families and society and rendered helpless. But thanks to some exceptional charity institutions and people who serve in them with love, care and affection, the elderly and the destitutes are able to find a new home and the attention they deserve.

The St Joseph's Prashanth Nivas, originally known as St Joseph's Asylum, is one such instituion. Started by the Carmelite Fathers way back in 1882 as a home for the destitute, it was taken over by the Jesuits in 1883. In 1898 the Sisters of Charity of Sts Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa having newly arrived from Italy, started rendering their service with love and devotion to the inmates of this institution, the most needy from infant to the helpless aged, irrespective of caste, creed or community. In 1968, the management of the asylum was handed over by the Jesuits to the diocese and in 1982 the diocese handed it over to the Sisters of Charity who run the institution under its present name.

The institution has been an abode of peace for the destitute, aged, mentally challenged and physically handicapped. Currently there are over 400 inmates who are taken care of at this institution. The institution also operates another home at Nelyadi mainly for the differently-abled and the mentally challenged. Besides, this institution also operates a Kannada medium primary school for the poor at its Jeppu premises.

Most of the inmates are admitted here on the recommendation of parish priests, community leaders and even the police department. There are various activities conducted for the residents throughout the day. Their physical, spiritual and health needs are taken care of. Annual picnics are organized for recreation. Retreats are also conducted once a year.

As the Sisters of Charity has special devotion towards Infant Mary, special prayers are organized once a week in front of the grotto located in the premises. Prayers are offered by the inmates as well as visitors for special favours. Special occasions like Independence Day, Christmas, senior citizens' day, Feast of St Joseph, birthdays and other special feasts are celebrated with the participation of the inmates.

The Sisters have been rendering their selfless service to the society and needy. Let us join hands with the Sisters of Charity in their mission to selflessly serve the society and make this world a better place, and in turn, do our bit for the needy.

Those who wish to help may send their contributions to:

St Joseph's Prashanth Nivas
Jeppu, Mangaluru
Account No: 0652101000702
Canara Bank
Menezes building, Fr Mullers road,
Kankanady, Mangaluru - 575002
IFSC : CNRB0000652
MIRC: 575015025

For more details contact: 0824 2416921 / 2414921