The Children’s party for kids from orphanages situated in and around the Vasai region was held on 27th December 2010. The event began with the celebration of Holy Mass led by Fr. Joe Pereira. His Grace Archbishop Felix Machado graced the occasion with his presence. A total of 762 children and more than 150 guests and well-wishers attended the program. Archbishop Felix Machado addressed the children and commended the work that Fr. Joe was doing through Kripa Foundation. Fr. Joe along with Archbishop Felix Machado invited the youngest children from all the ashrams to come forward and cut the cake. Santa Claus also made an appearance much to the delight of all the children. A number of entertainment programs were organized which the children thoroughly enjoyed. Thereafter the children were invited to the patio and both staff and children shook a leg or two. A sumptuous dinner was served to all present and thus the curtains came down on yet another fun filled programme at Kripa Foundation.
"The youth rise to help Kripa for the Stanchart Marathon. Your generosity will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the marginalised and to draw many youth into such work of Kripa " Fr.Joe
Message from Naomi Nigam Youth Ambassador of Kripa Foundation Dear Friends With the spirit of giving in the air this festive season, I kindly appeal to you to pledge for Kripa Foundation and in particular for the KRIPA DHARAVI STREET CHILDREN PROJECT at theStan Chart Marathon 2011 for which I will running the Dream Run in the DREAM MAKER category. Please followl the link below for further details about the project and the ease of online giving through the United way of Mumbai secure website. http://www.unitedwaymumbai.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&popup=1&template_id=350
Together, this Christmas let us be the drop of change in the lives of the beneficiaries and make their dreams come true!!
Thanking You for your generosity and wishing you all the joys of the season
A musical concert " The Festival of Christmas 2010,was held at Supari Talao .Bandra Mumbai. Various artistes from all over the country sang to a packed audience of more then 3000 people.Fr Joe known to many as the SINGING PRIEST sang "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" The children from Dharavi were present with him on the stage. The crowd was moved as Fr. Joe spoke about his work with street children and prostitutes in Dharavi , Asia's largest slums.
There was no sale of tickets, however the hat was passed around to collect love offerings for Kripa Foundation and another NGO Atma Vishwas. The Programme was a success and well presented by Mr Dereyk Talker.
Credit Suisse had their annual party on 3rd Dec, 2010. The theme for this year was 'Blast from the Past' - dress code - "Retro". Kripa Foundation was chosen as the charity for this year for whom employees were urged to donate funds. To add fun to the event several heads of departments were dressed up as famous Bollywood characters from yesteryears (Don, Gabbar Singh, Hawa Hawai, Jumping Jack etc) and all employees were encouraged to bid to have their favorite character on stage. Bidding was done a week prior to the event and closed on the 3rd Dec afternoon. A Love offering was handed over to Rev. Fr. Joe Pereira and Dr. Maria Nigam. Rev.Fr. Joe was deeply touched by the generosity of the staff and overwhelmed with this kind gesture. As a token of thanks and appreciation, Fr. Joe presented the CEO of Credit Suisse - Mr. Mihir Doshi with a canvas created by the street children from Kripa Street Children Project. A report by
In this Advent of Christmas and in preparation for the coming of Jesus, a Christmas dinner was held for the Patients and the kripa family of Kripa Bandra on 10th December. Fr Joe in his interaction with the gathering, which consists of patients from different Faiths, explained the real meaning of Christmas and how one should prepare themselves for the coming of Jesus on Christmas day.In his Grace before meals Fr. Joe thanked the Donor( Anonymous) for his kind and thoughtful love offering.The boys were treated to soft drinks, a sumptuous dinner and delicious dessert. The patients thanked Fr Joe for this wonderful evening, and also the Donor for remembering them during this Christmas. The party was well organised by Mervyn, Steven Brett, and staff of Kripa Bandra, Francis Fernandes - photography and Errol Netto for Catering.
THOSE WISHING TO TREAT THE PATIENTS DURING CHRISTMAS CAN CONTACT THE CENTRE MANAGER IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CITIES OF YOUR AREA THROUGH THE LINK.
Mr. Gerard and Philip of Start Again Rehab, Zurich ,Switzerland visited Fr Joe at Kripa Bandra. They shared valuable information on Systemic Approach to Addiction recovery. News Desk
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS) conducted a series of events from 01st to 03rd December, 2010, supported by Kotak Education Trust and Municipal Corporation of Vasai-Virar.
On 1st December, four rallies were organized, with around 4800 students from 44 schools in different parts of Vasai-Virar and a street play on HIV AIDS & its related topics.
On 2nd December, two awareness stalls were held in different parts of Vasai wherein there was a question-answer session, game show, poster exhibition, distribution of pamphlets.
On 3rd December, a rally and a cricket match was organized for around 60 migrants of the industrial area of Vasai.
World AIDS day was celebrated at Kripa Dharavi, Mumbai by holding a rally of school children which was flagged off by Chief Guest Mr.Julio Riberio , Former Ambassador to Romania and also Former Police Commssioner of Mumbai, along with Fr Joe Pereira, also present was Mr.Dereyk Talker,Dr Maria Nigam, Dr. Sashi Menon, Mr Linus Pinto,Mrs. Krishna Iyer, Mr Bosco D'Souza, and staff of Kripa.
The children walked through the streets of Dharavi, shouting slogans on AIDS Awareness and later collected back at Dr Ambedkar Hall where a a quiz and poster competition was held. The Guest of Honour for this competition was PSI Hemant Patil. The judges for the competion were Mr Dereyk Talker of Wake Up Bandra,Ms Manali from Angaan Trust. and Dr Singh PHM dept. Sion Hospital Nearly 650 school students from the vicinity participated in this rally and competion. Fr Joe in his speech to the children mentioned that it is so important not to have just knowledge on the subject of HIV/AIDS, but very important to get a change in our life style. He also mentioned how one should have a holistic approach to facing these challenges and even quoted Mahatma Gandhi.He further mentioned that with awareness and a change of life style the latest analysis shows that there is a drop of 20% of new cases of PLHA. The winners were awarded trophies and certificates of participation given to each school. The celebration was well organised by Dr Maria Nigam, and staff of Kripa Dharavi Deepak, Pravin, Rajan and Shabana. The children were served snacks and soft drinks and the program ended with the singing of the National Anthem
A message of condolence by Fr. Joe, to the wife of Late Dr Jeff Nadler.
My Dear Connie,
This is Fr Joe of Mumbai/Vasai a great admirer of Jeff and so grateful to God for the gift that he was to all of us. We at Kripa are deeply shocked and grieving at his loss. Today at the Sunday Mass I will speak about him and offer Mass for the repose of his soul. How I wish you could come down and be with us and we could have a Memorial Service with the whole community especially PLWHA.
God grant him eternal rest and peace.Holding you close in Prayer and Love.
The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 — 'Stop AIDS, Keep the promise: Universal Access and Human Rights' — encourages us to work towards strengthening the services offered to PeopleLiving with HIV/AIDS(PLHA). Like many organizations and FBOs the Catholic Church in India also envisages an inclusive society which is non-discriminatory. Therefore, we believe that like any other person the PLHA too have equal dignity in the society and their rights need to be respected. It is important that the PLHA also needs to have access to all available services for their wellbeing.
Ensuring Universal Access: Unlike in the past, HIV infection is no more a death sentence on the person. Today, with the Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) PLHA can lead a healthy life like people with diabetes and hypertension. Today's available ART effectively suppresses the replication of the virus in the body and keeps progression of the disease under control. The good news is that ART is provided free of cost by National AIDS Control Program of the Government of India. Thus, universal access to treatment has become a possibility.
However, in a country like India one of the major obstacles to universal access to treatment is HIV related stigma & discrimination. Many a time this situation results in overt denial of the rights to covert neglect of the needs of the PLHIV. In this context it is important to build their self-esteem, collective identity and involve them also in addressing the widespread stigma against them.
Another obstacle to the wellbeing of the PLHA is lack of socio-economic support. For PLHIV to sustain in their prolonged ART, they need social and economic support. In this context it is also imperative to integrate the PLHA into our society by working towards their socio-economic rehabilitation. Several government welfare schemes/programs that address the needs of PLHA are available. These schemes need to be identified and made accessible to the PLHA to reap maximum benefits. Concerted efforts need to be initiated towards advocacy and sensitisation among elected representatives at all levels including Panchayat members so that PLHA are not discriminated or denied access to such services.
The Catholic Church and its work in HIV: The social teachings of the Catholic Church, especially the principle of distributive justice persuades the Church to work towards universal access to services. This is being translated into action in the field of health care through her vast health care network, which is the second largest health care network in India, after the Government of India. With the onset of HIV in India, the Catholic Church had been working actively with the PLHA in areas of HIV prevention, care, and rehabilitative services with the aim of enhancing universal access to PLHA to the available services for their wellbeing.
Under the National AIDS Control Program (NACP –III) and with grants from PFI as part of the Global Fund Round 6 program, the PACT project of CBCI has been setting up Community CareCenters (CCCs) for PLHA in the States of West Bengal, Gujarat, Orissa, Bihar and Chhattisgarh since June 2007. Till October 2010, a total of 48 CCCs have been successfully established during the project, which has enrolled more than 38,300 PLHA for care and support services. Moreover, above 100 PLHA work as project staff whose presence is not only inspirational for their peers but also bring in much more sensitivity and ownership into the project team. This can be considered as a concrete expression and example of the CBCI policy on HIV/AIDS – "Commitment to Compassion and Care".
In addition to the PACT project numerous Nuns' congregations, numerous Religious Men's congregations e.g. Order of St. Camillus, Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), Catholic Nurses Guild of India (CNGI), Sister Doctors Forum of India (SDFI), St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Caritas India, all Diocesan Centers for Social Welfare, CBCI Coalition for Aids and Related Diseases (CBCI-CARD), the CBCI-IGNOU Chair for various HIV/AIDS study programs are also involved at the service of PLHA, assisting and enabling them to access the various services available to them. Many are also involved in "Community AIDS Talk" initiatives addressing various dimensions of HIV related stigma and discrimination. This initiative brings several leaders of communities together, who candidly speak about HIV in gatherings to inform people and help them in understanding their role towards building a nurturing and enabling environment for PLHA.
Conclusion: On this World AIDS Day, while commemorating the theme of "Stop AIDS, Keep the promise: Universal Access and Human Rights" I express my sincere gratitude to all our partner orgnisations, key stakeholders and other communities for all that they are doing for the society especially the PLHA and encourage them to continue enhancing the service delivery in an enabling environment that protects and promotes the rights of all PLHA, especially of the poor and the marginalized.
May God bless you and all your initiatives!
With kind regards, Archbishop Vincent Concessao Chairman, Office for Health Care Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India
Kripa Foundation announces the release of two of Fr. Joe's audio CD's titled "The "Whole Person in Prayer" and "Learning to Sit in Meditation".
The "Learning to Sit in Meditation " includes a handybook in English,which is a transcript of Fr. Joe's recorded teaching on different ways of sitting in Meditation.
In the audio CD "Whole Person in Prayer " Fr. Joe teaches us a simple way to bring our usually distracted body and mind to attention at the time of Prayer.
The Platinum Jubilee International Convention of Alcoholic Anonymous was held in Goa from 12th to 15th November. 2010. 15 staff members of Kripa from all over the country participated in this convention.
Fr Joe. who is a class A Trustee ( Non Alcoholic) of AA in India ,addressed the gathering on Spirituality and the 11th step of the 12 steps program of AA.This was much appreciated by all who attended the session.
The convention was a grand success and was well organised by the Trustees and Office bearers of AA .
In collaboration with Global fund, Vasai Region AIDS Control Society celebrated Children dayon 12th November 2010 in the centre at kripa Vasai , for the beneficiaries of the project.
The programme comprised of speeches, dance competitions, and games.
Around 50 children along with their guardians attended the function. The programme concluded with refreshments and snacks served to all.
A musical concert in aid of Kripa Dharavi project was held at Rang Sharda hall, Bandra Mumbai on the 12th of November. This was organised by WAKE UP...BANDRA,titled WE ARE FAMILY,which was well organised by Mr. Dereyk Talker. The Guest of Honor was Fr Willam Athaide the Parish Priest of Mount Carmel Church,Bandra . In his address note he mentioned about the great work Kripa and Fr Joe was doing for the chemically Dependent all over the world and also how at Kripa Dharavi, they were doing marvelously looking after Street children. He further mentioned humbly that he was also there representing Fr Joe who was in Goa at The International AA Convention as Fr Joe being a Class A non alcoholic Trustee for AA in India,his presence there was important.
At the event Sister MUNIRA KHAN was felicitated with an award " Citizen of the Year" by Mr Dereyk Talker of Wake Up Bandra for 60 years of service in the vineyard of the Lord
The event was packed to House full and the artist's kept the show lively with a mixture of Old and New music tracks.
In this blog we have a speech by Naomi Nigam , The Youth Ambassador of Kripa and also a active volunteer at the Dharavi project.A testimony by one of the beneficiaries.Also in the blog is a very touching poetry which was recited by the children on stage.The end we have a speech by Naomi Nigam telling us about the work carried out at Kripa Dharavi.
A HEART FILLED GRATITUDE TO DEREYK TALKER FROM FR. JOE AND THE KRIPA FAMILY
My name is Jyoti ( name changed to maintain anonymity ) My mother was labeled as being mad and I was labeled as a source of tension and we were banished from our villageby my father.
We reached Busawal and as a little child of 9, I used to sweep the railway compartmentsand beg for money from the travellers. I was often hungry and alone. Slowly I learned to sell gutka and old bottles.
Our next stop was Mumbai I also learned form other children to use drugs and inhale solvents to get me high. I also learned to sell my body through prostitution which helped me get money for my drugs.My life changed and I was now able to earn a lot of money and wear the clothes I was always wanted to but there was always missing in my life: true happiness. Sad and lonely, many times I slashed my wrist after getting high.
One day by chance at Dadar Station, I met Anita Didi who offered mechance to change my life at the KripaCenter in Dharavi. I was diffident at first as I was unsure it was another way of luring me to the remand home, butI took the chance any way.I was educated on the ill effects of drugs and the dangers of HIV AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases if I continued with my bad habits.I was gently counseled and learned to do yoga. Day by day I grew stronger and stronger to make a decision to give up all my bad habits both addiction and prostitution.
My life changed again, but this time for the better. I am blessed with a wonderful little baby Krishna, and all I want to do in life is to the best mother to him and give him a good life, one that I did not have.Namaste
Address note by Naomi Nigam ( Youth Ambassador & Volunteer at Kripa Dharavi) at the function
If you have ever walked down the alleys in Dharavi ,you will be greeted with a mixture of grime and garbage, squealing pigs and naked children running amok. Yet, in their very midst, stands a ray of hope through our Dharavi Drop In Centre.
For over 3 years we have welcomed each and every street child with open arms. They come from broken homes, runaway children, all battered and bruised by drug use. Each and every day, we slowly help them to become more independent and to grow into stronger human beings.
As children, all we have ever wanted is to be loved and appreciated by our family and friends. These children have no family and have been deprived of every drop of love that we more fortunate ones, take for granted.
So this is what our centre hopes to give them. We want to give them the Life that they deserve.
We want them to Laugh till they are crying.and we want them to Love and to be loved in return.
Our program of counseling, yoga and meditation works to rehabilitate the children and help Them battle their uncontrollable addiction to solvents, glue or alcohol.It is extremely crucial for them to have a basic knowledge of English, Math, Environmental studies, and Hindi, which they enthusiastically learn at every session.Through a strong volunteer program they have been encouraged to paint, dance, learn Karate and improve their carrom playing skills.
Children, by nature are distracted and carefree. However it is heartening to see them settle down willingly and happily during the various vocational activities such as paper packet making and bag painting, decorating bookmarks or divas. They learn the importance of recycling the paper, cardboard and art materials that are generously donated by supporters, making this an eco-friendly activity.
As the festive season approaches they are enthusiastically getting ready with Christmas cards, bookmarks and candles. It is our dream, for them, to be capable of standing up on their own two feet, independent and strong.
Volunteering over the last two years, I have watched these children blossom and grow from small caterpillars into beautiful brilliant butterflies. There is no greater joy than the joy of children, and each time I go back to Dharavi, I am a part of this. Each time I visit them, I am bombarded by the children jumping up and joyfully greeting me. They have gone from the formal “Good morning Didi” to the friendlier “Hi Didi” and I have come to love and cherish each moment I spend with them. Their simple smiles and shrill laughter at even the smallest of things lights up my day. On this note, I want to warmly welcome one and all, and especially the youth to volunteer at our center and open your hearts to the children. For it is in giving that we receive. Come join our Friends of Kripa Family and be the drop of change in the children’s lives.
The theme “We are family” could not be more appropriate for our own little center in Dharavi. At the heart of this family stands our staff that work tirelessly and diligently day after day with the children, molding and motivating them into the butterflies that they are today. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the this team of Deepak, and Rajan our Program Co-coordinators, Praveen our male nurse, Shabana our social worker and Sarika our out reach worker. Those who could not be here are Brett our artistic Coordinator and Robin Pihal a volunteer who choreographed the dance.Thank you for your wonderful efforts!
A family is not made up those connected by blood but by who you love, care, respect and trust. I now welcome our very own precious children to complete the circle of our little Kripa Dharavi family.
A family that prays together, stays together and so we will now recite the Serenity Prayer, a constant source of courage and inspiration to every recovering addict as they rehabilitate their lives.
A Diwali party for street children was held at Kripa Dharavi on the 9th of November 2010. The children enjoyed themselves with singing , dancing & games of housie and bombing the city. The highlight of the event was a visit by Fr Joe. In his heartfilled emotional address to them ,Fr Joe told them how precious they were to him , and how he was overjoyed to see them bloom so well in kripa.
The event was well organised with the help of volunteers from Credit Suisse namely Deepak Saluja, Sharon Vallis,Jaymala Dawda ,Sujatha Pais,Claire O'Neil, along with Mr Nigam ,Dr Maria Nigam, their daughter Naomi Nigam. and staff of Deepak, Rajan, Pravin,Shabana ,Sarika & Brett and well wishers Harinakshi Mistry & Neeraj Mistry
The children were served snacks with soft drinks and later shared a sumptous dinner with Fr Joe and the volunteers.
The event was a grand success and a joy to witness the children enjoy themselves.
The largest workshop, this year in North America was conducted by Fr Joe in Comox valley .The workshop was sponsored by Senior Iyengar instructor VickyCatchpole, which was well attended and a grand success. Also present at this workshop was Kripa volunteer Ron Mcdougal
Kripa Foundation inaugrated it's new centre at Mother Teresa Ashram, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. This is Kripa's 62nd facilty in the country.
The Centre was Blessed by HIs Grace Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes with a prayer service , The Archbishop in his speech appreciated the efforts of kripa, it's work and expressed hope for the Chemical dependents in Gujarat.
Those wishing to avail of this facility can contact
( Lto R. Dr Ronald ,Mr. Sanjay Joshi , Mrs Anuradha Karkare , Ms Alyssa Pachuau and Philomena Sequeira)
Ms Alyssa Pachuau Programme Officer and Dr Ronald of Christian Medical Association of Inda CMAI) visited kripa Pune on the 24th of October. Ms Alyssa was guided and shown the work that Kripa does by Mrs. Anuradha Karkare Project Director of Kripa Pune along with her team.Ms Alyssa interacted with the clients , especially the female section and was very impressed with the work that Kripa Pune is doing. Ms Alyssa assured that this was a new begining of Kripa & CMAI to work especially for female addicts.
On the 15th of October 2010, a Navratri program was organised for the benificiaries of Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS) ,at Kripa Foundation Vasai.The Guest of Honour was Mr Jagdish Shetty ,who presided over the function.
There was a pooja followed by the traditional GARBA DANCE. Another event was a fancy dress competition for which prizes were given for best fancy dress and best dancers. The event was well atttended by about 120 Women , Men and Children
A week long yoga retreat was conducted by Fr Joe, in Moosejaw , saskatchavan , Canada. 40 participants from all over the country participated in this retreat.
The Church in India came into it's own after the Second Vatican council published the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non Christian Religions , encouraging mutual understanding and dialogue between faiths.
Fr Joe illustrated through his presentation and lecture how Bede Griffiths pioneered this spirit ,which made the Church fully at home in India's culture and ethos.He explored how Bede and Mother Teresa's approaches complemented each other and impacted the masses through their unique blend of contemplation and selfless service. Fr Joe highlighted how Bede Griffiths fostered genuine interfaith dialogue and shared his own personal encounters with people from different faiths.
Fr Joe's lecture was appreciated by all those who were present. News Desk
Gratitude for their inputs to this blog
Dr Michael Duggan PhD
Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theology
The much awaited Yoga workshop of Fr Joe, at YOGA STUDIO SOUTH for Iyengar yoga students was a grand success.
Those students who made it to the oversold event, were thrilled and soaked with the wisdom of Fr Joe's ability to combine asana instructions, with anecdotes about BKS Iyengar, and to hear him connect the relevance of chakras ,Vayus,the five elements,koshas,yoga philosophy and his Christian Faith to his teaching.
A heartfilled gratitude to Fr. Joe from all of us.
Just a few comments about Fr. Joe's workshop this weekend.
Fr Joe is an incredible inspirational man whose Iyengar knowledge and spiritual wisdom radiates through him.It was an honor to be apart of this rare learning oppurtunity ,where he truly connected the spiritual with yoga practice.It was a delight to watch him demonstrate asanas for us students! His humor and character was warm and welcoming leaving me (in particular ) feeling acccepted and not intimated.His knoweldge on where the body needs to open with each asanas was also extremely educational.
A. Fr Joe celebrating Eucharist after a yoga workshop at Kripa US.
B. Fr Joe with friends of kripa in Detroit ,mainly expats from India, particulary from his home town Vasai. Where he held a novena service to Our lady of Perpetual Succcor,and shared the devotion with the distribution of the His CD" Novena to Our lady of Perpetual Succor", This was followed by mass for the repose of the soul of Mr. Elais Dmello , our loving benefactor from America.
Fr Joe Pereira -The Kripa Iyengar yoga workshop : THE SILENCE OF THE SPIRIT. Sept.17
A yoga workshop was held in Oakville ,Canada on 17th September 2010.The workshop was a resounding success.The above video clip was recorded during the afternoon prayanam session.
Kripa Foundation Iyengar yoga presentation was held by Fr Joe Pereira ,assisted by Bryant Mascarenhas of Kripa Us Inc, at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital ,in Milwaukee.This was to share light on how kripa operates in using Yoga as a healing modality along with the AA 12 step program.
Several Pastoral Ministers,Doctors,Health care providers,and emminent personnels from the hospital attened this presentation.
Fr Joe was aboslutely magnetic.His explanation and presentation on how SCIENCE and FAITH meet through yogic healing were soul enriching
Inspite of a busy schedule of working with phone calls and and replying to Emails from the early hours of the morning. Fr Joe's energy is electrifying.No one in America can believe he is 68 years.Many of our students in Milwaukee were soaked in tears with his beautifull teaching of Christianity and Yoga ,and how he invokes the "Love of Mother Teresa and Guruji B K S Iyengar to heal people.''
Over 200 students of Bryant ( Kripa US) attended these workshops, some flying in from California,Texas and other near by states.These workshops held, raized tremendous Love towards all in India and those helping Fr Joe expand his healing of kripa Foundation.
We are all blessed by Fr Joe's love and hardwork.On a personal note I pray to the Lord to protect our Fr Joe.I have personally had the honors of having him stay with me and my family I have seen, how hard he works for Kripa Foundation.Every morning he starts his day at 5.30 am and did not rest untill late midnight.I myself was in tears when he left, and our home feels the void.But we know he carries this mission and and his light to other people who need it all over the western world.
India you are very lucky to have a Father.....Fr Joe.
A fund raising dinner for Kripa was held at Jurgian Psycho Analyst Dr Ashok Bedi's and his Master Indian Chef wife Mrs Usha Bedi.Many emminent and well established people from the medical community.friends and yoga student attended the dinner.
For the second Fall season we were joined by Fr. Joe and forty seven participants for a September weekend of nourishing yoga Iyengar method Kripa style. Fr. Joe who has founded and operates over fifty addiction rehabs and HIV/AIDS treatment centres across India, travels annually to the west to treat us to his yogic approach to healing illness and his message of love. All as part of his annual fund raising efforts.
Fr Joe states that his mentor Mother Theresa is his left hand, and his Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar is his right. By their guidance Fr Joe , a bakti yogi practices his karma work.
Please enjoy these photographs a glimpse into our weekend of connecting with our Atman through yoga asana's, prayanama and philosophy.Together we again raised $6000 for Kripa Yoga by practiscing yoga !
Come the month of September and it's time to celebrate Mother Mary's birthday.
On the 15th of September 2010, a mini pilgrimage was organised to Our Lady of Mount Mary's Basillica Bandra, Mumbai for 800 needy, challenged, special and destitute children from various care homes of Mumbai , who were later treated to a funfilled day of entertainment & lunch, organised by Fr Joe-kripa Foundation, a voluntary group called "JUST BECAUSE' and supported by the staff of Kripa Bandra.
The children were delighted to be treated to unlimited rides on giant wheels, merry- go- rounds and many other joy rides.Later as they rested for snacks and coldrinks , they were entertained to a spell bound magic show,body tatto by tatto artist,a clown who made them roll with laughter,and later danced away to live DJ music.along with cartoon characters from disney land and Charlie Chaplin.
The highlight of the event was a visit by the new Parish Priest of the Mount Carmel Church .
Rev. Fr . Wiiliam Athaide, who mingled and interacted with the children.The children on their part thanked Fr William for his hospitality at the Carmel Mela and for his presence.
As afternoon approached , the children were treated to a sumptous lunch with ice cream. After which each child was given a gift to take home.
Entertained to a long day of enjoyment, the children were happy,but sadden as they had to go home.Hoping they would be there the next year.
An inhouse pharmacy was inaugrated at Kripa Vasai on the 11th of september, by chief guest Dr Rohidas Waghmare, who is the Medical Superintendant, Rural Hospital, Virar, District Thane. present on the occassion were Staff ,clients and wellwishers.
On the 6th of September , Fr Joe had the joyous moments of cutting his 1st birthday cake of 68 years for the gift of life ,with his sister Teresa (Nun Sister), accompanied by some of her community members , members of the Mount Carmel Church Choir , and friends at his Helpline office.This was after the 7.45 am mass at the Basillica of Our lady of the Mount Bandra .
The 6th of September every year is a red letter day in the annals of Kripa and so this year 2010 it was celebrated with a lot of splendor and gaiety at the Mt. Carmel Church Hall, Bandra.
Kripaites old and new, friends, well-wishers, benefactors and the parish team were all there to sing the ‘Hap Hap Happy Birthday!’ song. This was followed with cutting of the gorgeous and delicious birthday cake with a lot of music. The highlight being all young and old dancing away with Fr Joe.to the music of Aloo sounds..
Fr. Joe in his melodious bass voice sang – ‘ you’ve got a friend’ – with the audience cheering. The evening concluded with a grand dinner with the parish priest Fr. William Athaide saying the grace before meals.
We’all prayed that with this 68th birthday celebration, there will be a lot more birthday celebrations to come.
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