A Home for Disabled Children In India

Monsignor Maipan Paul is the Bishop of the Diocese of Khammam in India. Bishop Paul is raising money for the Shanthi Nilayam Residence in his diocese. The lowest castes in India are referred to as “Dalits.” The word means “the broken,” or the “the oppressed.” Dalits are the most neglected and exploited of the society. Worst of all, they are described as untouchable based on religious purity. This religious and social marginalization is the root of all kinds of discriminations Dalit families and children suffer everyday. Bishop Paul’s diocese helps provide medical care to Dalit families through 25 mobile medical camps. This mobile medical program identified over 100 physically and mentally challenged children in and around the small sub-district of Bonakal. Some within Indian society consider handicapped children a curse for the family. Some parents are forced to cast their children out or abandon them in orphanages. In response to this discovery, Bishop Paul started Shanthi Nilayam as a safe home that provides compassionate care for mentally disabled children, especially young girls, in Bonakal. The Sisters of Compassion operate Shanthi Nilayam and provide the 100 children in their care medical attention, education, meals, and, most of all, love. Bishop Paul is raising money for Shanthi Nilayam because this important ministry is in danger of having to close its doors. Give $25 to help the Sisters and Bishop Paul continue this mission in the Diocese of Khammam.