Verghese V Joseph –
In the heart of Velankanni, a small village in Nagapattinam district of India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, lies a haven of hope for 36 orphaned and poor children.
The historic Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is situated in Velankanni. This Marian Shrine is popularly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East.’
It all started in the early Nineties when Benedictine Brother Johnson Joseph came to Velankanni as a pilgrim. The pitiable condition of underprivileged children moved him. He was drawn by a sense of divine calling to begin a mission that would positively impact the lives of underprivileged and weaker children.
He then sought permission from his Order to begin his ministry to serve the orphaned children of Velankanni and its surroundings.
Over the years, the Divine Mercy Educational and Charitable Trust, founded by Bro. Johnson and ably supported by Sister Maria and Sister Margaret from Koinonia John the Baptist (KJB), has become a beacon of light for these young souls, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive.
The trust’s mission has evolved over the years to become a comprehensive institution that not only educates but also spiritually nurtures its young residents.
Mercy Home for Children, the trust’s flagship institution, is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. This home, established in 2010, is a place where children from various age groups and standards, from classes four to degree, come together to form a family that is truly divine. The home’s infrastructure, comprising comfortable concrete buildings with serene green surroundings, includes bedrooms, a TV room, study areas, and prayer rooms. This tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for the children to focus on their studies and personal growth.
The trust operates in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, ensuring that its residents receive the best possible care and protection. With a maximum capacity of 30 children (16 boys and 14 girls), the institution is committed to providing a personalized and supportive environment for each child.
The daily routine at Mercy Home for Children is filled with a mix of study hours, recreational activities, and spiritual practices. The children are encouraged to engage in prayers and yoga, which not only helps them develop physically but also fosters a sense of inner peace and calm. This holistic approach to education and personal growth sets the trust apart from other institutions.
What truly sets these children apart, however, is their unique spirit. Their smiles, discipline, and diligent gaze are a testament to the positive impact of the trust’s efforts. As you enter the gate, you are greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of belonging, as if these children are your own sons and daughters. Their smiles and soft voices share both their joys and pains, and their laughter and tears are a poignant reminder of the challenges they have faced.
Despite the hardships they have endured, these children have found a sense of belonging and hope at Mercy Home for Children. One of the girls is pursuing her studies to become a nurse and another one is keen on pursuing medicine. The trust’s commitment to their well-being and education has given them a sense of purpose and direction, and their smiles and laughter are a testament to the power of compassion and dedication.
Under government regulations, Mercy Home is now challenged with the prospect of having to separate the boys and girls as they attain puberty. There’s an urgent need to set up another facility to accommodate them separately and also to cater to more number of deprived children. This involves huge costs and infrastructure. The Trust’s meagre financial capability is under heavy strain. Any support to this cause is most welcome. Donations to the trust are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act of 1961, making it easier for individuals and organizations to contribute to the noble cause.
For those who wish to contribute to the trust’s mission, there are several ways to do so. The trust’s bank details are as follows:
Divine Mercy Educational and Charitable Trust
Bank: South Indian Bank
Branch: Velankanni, Tamil Nadu – 611102
IFSC: SIBL0000913
Account Number: 0913073000000006
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +919952588519
By supporting the Divine Mercy Educational Trust, individuals can help provide a brighter future for these young souls. The trust’s commitment to empowering orphaned and poor children is a shining example of the power of compassion and dedication, and it is a beacon of hope for those who have lost some bit of their lives.