Mangaluru: On the auspicious day, September 3 AIMIT Magis Association visited St Anthony’s Charity Institute, Jeppu, here. 'Charity Week' was conducted from August 22 to September 2 in memory of Mother Teresa, at AIMIT College in the city.

The Magis Association had conducted various events in the 2 weeks such as scramble words, essay writing, collage making, selfie, drawing, quiz etc and successfully accomplished these events.

The main purpose of 'Charity Week' was to donate to the poor and residents at the old age homes of St Antony's Ashram.

At 9.15 am the Magis Association members assembled at AIMIT College Beeri and Fr Denzil Lobo addressed the gathering by motivating the students to be of service to the needy by sharing and spreading their love and time for them.

On reaching St Antony’s Ashram at 10.00 am, the director of the ashram Fr Onil D’Souza welcomed the students warm-heartedly and delivered a brief talk about the ashram.

Fr Onil D’Souza spoke about how 'St Anthony’s Bread' came into existence in the city and how St Anthony’s Poor Homes were formed in the city.

On June 12, 1898 Monsignor M P Colaco began a novena to Saint Anthony. On the following day June 13, the feast of St Anthony was celebrated solemnly. Various people irrespective of caste and creed came and partook of the novena prayers or mass in the Tuesday devotions. The devotees of St Anthony used to make their 'Thanksgiving Offerings' in cash and kind with a grateful heart for the favors received through the intercession of St Anthony.

In 1911 these poor homes were established in the city near Milagres Church sheltering the waifs, the orphans, the disabled and those who had no one to take care of them. They were later shifted to Jeppu where 28 acres the land belonging to the Brittos was auctioned in 1934.

400 destitutes (residents) live at this institute now known as 'St Anthony’s Charity Institute'. Those who are admitted are taken care of till they complete their earthly journey. All their needs are met free of cost.

St Anthony Ashram has various units in the institute such as tailoring, candle making, workshops, dairy farming, medical care etc and keeps them lively and active.

Students of the Magis Association had a great and wonderful time with the old and energetic people there.
The students actively and sportively bonded in a friendly way with the residents, shared their joy and love with each and every individual and had a heart to heart talk with some of the residents like Delphine, Henry, Mariya, Arogya. They also danced to the rhythm with Elisa.

In all the visit to the ashram was very good and was a memorable experience for the students. They promised the residents there, that they will visit them again.

There were 54 students and the faculty-in charge Suman Lasrado and Aravind Prabhu were also present for the visit.