St Catherines of Sienna Orphanage

Despite the hot scorching summer heat and a Saturday, the students of Grade 4 eagerly awaited their Social Service visit day with bated breath. Class 4A students were visiting the St Catherines of Sienna Orphanage situated at Mount Mary, Bandra West along with their teachers. The sunny day had transformed into a breezy, cooler day as we entered the Home. Brother Joseph who volunteers at the orphanage since many years and takes care of the children’s needs answered our queries and gave us a host of interesting facts about the children who lived and studied in it. We were curious and felt comforted with the thought that the St Catherines Home offered more than just a mere roof to these underprivileged orphans. The kids were bright, happy, well-groomed and smart. There were hidden talents in each child. Be it singing, dancing, acrobatics, sport or art, they left us spell bound with their sheer enthusiasm and spirit. We asked for their names, mingled with them wholeheartedly, played with them, sang and danced for them. They returned the same with a lot of smiles, hugs, love and memories that we took back with us, which would last us a life time. Most of us would love to come back and spend a day yet again with them sharing in their joys and sorrow. We truly felt that we were indeed blessed to have parents, a home and a good life. We felt lucky that we could do our bit for them. Our Social Service visit was just not any other field trip, it was a visit that softened us, made us aware of the world outside and sensitized us to the lesser fortunate around us. It taught us that we we’re here for a purpose and we were satisfied that we had managed to achieve it on that day through the innocent, uninhibited smiles and gestures of the kids. We had certainly made new friends and we urge all you to do your bit too for these special kids.