INDIA…BABIES HOME

On December 26, 2009 I was very bless to be able to visit St. Thomas Mount, Chennai where I live. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Holy Apostles Convent, where the Sisters and laity oversees to the care of about 55 children from infants to about six years old. The children’s part is called the St. Thomas Mount Babies Home.

The Convent sets high on a hill, where I had a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Chennai. The first thing I notice was the 800 hundred year old Banyan Tree that is close to the entrance way of the Children’s Home. As I walked from the tree there is a statue of Mother Teresa, continuing the walk around the piazza I came to a statue of Pope John Paul II, which is erected where he stood and bless the multitudes in February 1986 and at the end of the piazza Our Lord Crucified with Mother Mary, St John and St. Martha standing below all painted in gold. There is a medal stand to the right where candles are lit for the prayers ascending to the heart of God. There is a chapel near the convent, where two very holy treasures connecting to the biblical era the first being a stone Bleeding Cross that was carved by St. Thomas himself. The last time the cross bled was 60 years ago. Second an original painting of the Holy Mother of God and her Son by St. Luke, which was bought to India by St. Thomas and then a gold painted statue of the Mother of God sitting and pregnant. There is also a Chapel of Eucharist Adoration and before I could step on the very short walk area to the door an attendant asks me to remove my shoes. Once inside there are no pews one kneels on the white marble floor however there is for those unable to kneel brown wicker stools off to the side. The chapel is elegantly understated so my full attention is focused on the body, soul and divinity of God. In the chapel the very presences of God engulfs my heart and soul His austere presences makes leaving hard. Because it was the Christmas Season there was a life size Naivety Scene. It is so special and spiritual to walk where once one of the Apostles of God St. Thomas walk I am so very blessed to have this beautiful experience.

The St. Thomas Mount Babies Home is off the convent courtyard. There is a receiving room where Franco, his son Mario and I were greeted by Sister Theresa who would be our guide throughout the time with the children. We were taken to a room we could not go in but from the doorway see about ten infants peacefully sleeping in medal cribs oblong and a little larger than a carriage. The second room, which I was permitted to go in, there, was about six sleeping small toddlers also in medal cribs. There were two rooms where we were greeted by children ranging in ages about three to six. The children sang, were very curious and friendly. Franco and I had bought dresses for the girls, shorts and tee shirts for the boys, little infant shorts and shirts for the babies along with baby cereal and formula and yes a bag of lolly pops. I interacted with the children distributing the wrapped gifts and lolly pops with Sister’s help. Franco and Mario were capturing this on video as well as still shots. There was this pleasant symphony of sounds that permeated throughout the room from the children. The last room we visited was the music where five children entertained us with several songs. They played various types of drums and cymbals accompanying musical CD’S. They were just awesome and so talented. Their little faces lit up with smiles and their love of playing was seen in their enthusiasm. Everyday the children are taken outside around 4p.m. to a play area where they can run and play. The play area is equipped with playground equipment and a line of walkers for the toddles that yet have their land legs.

This made our Christmas so special to see the joy of these little angels. We received more than we gave. I received the heart and love of these children Thank you God for this gift on your birthday. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and it is a time of children…

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless…YOU!

Picture #1 Sr. Theresa [all in white] and Me along with another Sister.

Picture #2 The children at St. Thomas Mount Babies Home and Me.

Copyright 2010 Linda Mary Liotino