Mangalore Province

‘‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you unto to me’’ Mt 25:40.

With this inspiration Fr Founder RFC Mascarenhas saw the educational needs of the children of remote villages where there were no schools and more especially for the poorer class and girls. So side by side with the school, he opened an orphanage on 14 June 1939, under the patronage of St Joseph with Sr Succursa as the first Sister in-charge. Gradually needy little boys also found shelter here and attended the primary school. Both, the school and the orphanage grew in strength with better facilities for the benefit of the children.

At one time the orphanage accommodated about 130 girls and 40 boys who lived in a separate boy’s cottage. At present only girls are housed here. This orphanage has become a cradle of vocations to religious life and priesthood. Bethany and other Congregations continue to receive good vocations from this orphanage. Sr Succursa was succeeded by Sr Concilia, Sr Perpetua, Sr Laetitia, Sr Gemina, Sr Doris, Sr Noreen, Sr Germaine, Sr Veera, Sr Carmelita, Sr Joanina, Sr Stephanie, Sr Severine, Sr Edmond. They took care of children with motherly care and looked after their needs. At present Sr Agnes Pinto is carrying on this noble work with the help of her devoted staff.

The orphanage saw great development in various ways with buildings and better facilities provided by the Congregation as well as with the help of Fr Edwin Pinto the then Director of CODP. At present Sr Juliana BS is the Correspondent and with her guidance we are able to run the hostel smoothly. The students attend our schools in the premises and get quality education.

During the year 2016-2017, we had 41 girls. Currently Sr Agnes BS is assisted by Sr Renilda BS and Sr Asha. The children participate daily in the Eucharistic celebration and pray the morning prayers. Every Wednesday children conduct liturgy and once in a year the campus adoration. Sisters of the community take value education classes and give moral instructions.

Children are given entertainments – like games, TV news, watch movies, read the newspapers and other periodicals. National and religious feasts are celebrated with prayer and programmes.