I will present my second part of the article through pictures and a few sentences on them. I have not presented some pictures which could upset us more.
But what I could see at the Ashram is the overwhelming possibility of restoring mental balance of some of the worst cases of psychological disorders, completely through the acts of love.
The incomplete building for the proposed hospital cum shelter for the inmates. Yes, God lives here, but its not a church, temple or a mosque. This is a structure that shelters God’s unfortunate children, taken care by God’s servants.
Well, that’s what they believe, the Christians among them. This is the entrance of Paulose’s tiny home and this faith has prompted the God-fearing couple to work selflessly for the ill and the orphans.(L); These are all Mary’s ‘children’. They may appear to be fine, because of the weekly fellowship time. Perhaps these are their only good outfits and are donated by several good-hearts.(R)
And more of those orphaned children ? Mary believes that they will have a bright future, one day. She is determined to provide the same to them. Fortunately, these are mentally fit. That?s the saving grace. Dear readers, you can adopt these children, but you can?t take them away! They will be taken care where they are, by your generous contribution.
This is Mary?s prized possession. A boy child born to an assaulted woman (also in the Ashram, but is not in a mental position to recognize her child). Someone asked "give us the child, we will take care of him? Mary had a reply: ?Surely, but take the child?s mother also with you" (My wife ? in the first picture – was very keen, she also felt if we could have this child to be our own, but for stringent formalities involved).
Just a routine scene here, every moment? this is their world, could have been worse on the streets if not for Br. Paulose’s kindness!
Well, some have to be inside the four walls, for their own protection, for the protection of others as well. These cause problems quite frequently due to their illnesses and have to be secured inside the rooms.(L); Uncertain future? Or unimaginable Present?(R)
The challenge is with the mentally ill children?but then there is helping hand from the mentally ill adults?
The Mangalorean catholic ladies ? deserted by their own children. Isn?t it difficult to take care of one or two of our old or ill family members? Imagine how someone is looking after 285 of them!(L); Now finding peace at Seon, something that I had wished I could get it from my own children?.(R)
Finally, my dear fellow Mangaloreans, let us strengthen Paulose and Mary?s hands through our generous contributions and help him fulfill his dream of having the Ashram cum Hospital building with all the hospital equipment at the earliest. Let us enjoy the benefit of our missions being physically carried out by these two people of God. May God bless you with more riches for all your sacrifices.
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Author: Agnel Pereira- Bahrain