Salesian Cooperators provide a Second Life to a Differently Abled Youth

Salesian Cooperators at Lingarajapuram Centre have had a unique mission for the past ten years. They have adopted 17 poorest Christian families around Don Bosco Church, Lingarajapuram, and regularly visit these families, provide needed material help for them, pray with them and celebrate Christmas with them.

Sneha (27) was looked after by her mother for several years. After her mother’s death a few months back, she was partly looked after by her maternal uncle and partly by a good-hearted lady, Lourdumary, who used to care for her as her own family member. The Salesian Cooperators at Lingarajapuram decided to take Sneha to the care of Missionaries of Charity since she needed more care and attention than before. The Cooperators initiated the process to take Sneha to the Missionaries of Charity at Yelahanka with needed legal documents and permits from April 2022. “It was a long process. We had several hurdles to go through to get proper documents and permits for a smooth relocation of Sneha,” said Mr. Stanislas, the coordinator of Sneha-Project.

Mr Gerard, an aspiring co-operator did the spade-work to get the needed help from people who were qualified in dealing with the differently abled children. Mr. Kiritappa, a veteran Salesian Cooperator, Ms. Latha Victor, the secretary and Mr. Dhanraj, the coordinator of Salesian Cooperators at Lingarajapuram, applied their minds and hearts to complete the Sneha-Project. “We had several moments of discussions on legal matters and updates in our WhatsApp group on the status of the project. Finally, we were able to take her to Yelahanka on 1 August 2022,” commended Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB, the delegate of the Salesian Cooperators at Lingarajapuram, on the concerted effort of the Cooperators.

Fr. Gilbert prayed together with the Cooperators and blessed Sneha before they started her journey towards the second phase of her life. Mr. Dhanraj, the coordinator of Salesian Cooperators at Lingarajapuram thanked all the Cooperators who made this project see the light of the day.