History
The congregation Deenasevanasabha (Servants of the Poor) was founded way back in 1969 at Pattuvam, Kannur, Dist. Kerala by Mother Petra Moanigmann. As the name suggest, the Trust aimed to help the poor. Their good intention and hard work got recognized and soon their services spread all over the country. At present, Deenasevanasabha has nearly 80 branches and as many as 600 sisters who are dedicatedly working for the welfare of village poor.

In 1975, a Franciscan sister, Mother Willigard from Germany started working with the Trust to help Mother Petra in her efforts. However, in the following year Mother Petra left for heavenly abode after sudden and tragic death in an accident. Mother Willigard continued to work for next 13 years with the trust before handling the operations to an Indian Sister. In 1989, Mother Willigard moved to Bangalore and started traveling to the remote villages like Kannur and Kothanur. She soon engaged herself in uplifting the lifestyle of the villagers in every possible manner. She helped them in getting medical aid, education, constructing houses and many other activities to help these villagers in every possible manner.

In 2001, she conceived an idea to extend her helping hand to HIV +ve children who are abandoned by their near and dear ones for no fault of their own. At present about five million people are affected by AIDS in India and there is dire need of such homes that work for such causes.

Infant Jesus Children’s Home
On March 24, 2001, this children home came alive. It accommodates 50 HIV affected children. The congregation tirelessly works towards making the lives better for these children and to remove the social stigma attached to this disease. They are loved, given good food and provided with hygienic shelter to live in. They are encouraged to lead a normal life as far as attending schools like other normal kids of Kothanur. It is sad that these infected children have a life span extending to 15 years only but as one can say that miracles do happen, it did for some of these too. Nearly 15 children in this home became HIV- and were later adopted too. So, one can imagine the immense good work done by the Home.

Little Flower Children’s Home
Though, it is not for the HIV+ children yet the thread is common as it takes care of those orphans whose parents died of this disease.

Through mothers effort these children are sent to Christal English medium school at Kannur for better education and life. They are even imparted computer education at the centre itself.

Home of Mercy
This home is attending to HIV+ ladies who are not accepted by their family and society. These dejected ladies are not only inflicted from the disease but suffer heart –wrenching trauma both mentally and spiritually. Mother Willigard has made their lives better in many ways. The home can accommodate up to 35 women.

All these HIV/AIDS houses are in the Convent compound only to show that what love, affection, care and acceptance can do to the less fortunate ones.
In the same compound a Dispensary is set up for the poorest of the poor. Many patients come for check ups. Sometimes, sisters visit the families and help them in the best possible way.


How can you support these centres?

• Any donation can be received.

• By sponsoring one child per month with Rs. 1500.

• By sponsoring one day meal for the inmates for Rs 3000.

• By donating food materials.

• Donations are accepted in the name of trust.

Contact:
Deenanilaya, Kothanur,
Bangalore- 560 077.
Tel no- 080-2846 5318, 2846 5948.
E-mail: deenanilaya@hotmail.com

By Smriti Jain

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