Fr.Joe conducts intense yoga workshop at the NEW YOGA PAVILLION " Aashiana" at Lakhanpals- Goa

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Fr. Joe conducted an intense yoga workshop for Canadians, Americans and Indian at the new yoga pavillion "Aashiana" at Lakhanpals, Candolium, Goa. from 12th to 16th March 2012.

photographs by

Melanie Couture

Canada

Fr. Joe speaks at the WCCM Guiding Board- London

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Fr. Joe celebrating Silver Wedding mass of Susan and Mark Cambatta

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Fr. Joe speaks to St. Pius X seminarians on their visit Kripa Bandra

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11 seminarians from St. Pius X college, Goregoan, Mumbai visited Kripa Bandra for an exposure visit to the centre. Fr. Joe addressed the seminarians and briefed them about the Kripa model and how they could utilise it in their ministries as priest.A recovering addict and a ex-seminarian shared their experiences of addiction.The visit ended with the screening of the Kripa documentary " GODs GRACE."
Submitted by
Mervyn Rocha

Fr. Joe Speaks to students from Kochi Kerala

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An awareness program was conducted for 20 MSW students accompanied by Dr. George K. Philip -Head of Dept of Social work and Ms Prathibha Mathai faculty staff of Jai Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Kochi, Kerala. These students were on a tour of various NGO's of Mumbai and visited Kripa Foundation Bandra to learn about Addiction. Fr. Joe Pereira Managing Trustee welcomed them by giving them an introductory talk on Kripa and Alcoholics Anonymous, its beginnings, its philosophies and what Kripa is doing for the marginalised. Mr. Simon, counsellor spoke on the topic of rehabilitation, sharings by patients and ended with the filming of the documentarry "GODs GRACE".
Submitted by
Ashutosh Mandelia
Kripa Bandra

A Birthday to Remember - Fr William Athaide

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Fr. William Athaide, known popularly as Fr. Willie, was greeted by the Kripa team in the annexe of Kripa Bandra, on the occasion of his 67th birthday.
In reply to the traditional Birthday song and wishes of all the staff and clients on behalf of Fr. Joe, who was away in Goa. In his address Fr. Willie thanked the boys for all their help in looking after the seating arrangements everyday during the Missions at Mt. Carmel’s, and in appreciation asked them to enjoy themselves at the party that followed. Keeping him company was also Fr. Leslie from the parish team who regaled the gathering with popular songs accompanied on the guitar by Charmaine, Brett, Simon, Paul N, Stephen, Bosco and the Kripa Family.
The community wished Fr. Willie many more birthday remembrances for the future. The party ended with Fr. Willie blessing the gathering.

Submitted by
Francis Fernandes
Kripa Bandra

Fr. Joe & Dr Menon speak at Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur.

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An Addiction and Alcoholism Awareness programme was initiated by the Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Trust at the Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur on 4th March 2012 and organised by Dr Harsh Udawat of the Gastroenerology unit. Fr Joe Pereira, Managing Trustee and Dr Shashi Menon, Medical Director of Kripa Foundation along with Mr S K Bhalla Gen Sec of AA were the principal speakers. Mr Yogender Durlabhji, Managing Trustee of the SD Memorial Trust gave the keynote address and was very keen to develop a 'Core Group' for the care of the Addiction marginalised population and invited Fr Joe to help create a suitable capacity building activity to make the SDM Hospital as the operational site.The presentations by Fr Joe on the Psycho Spiritual dimension of Addiction, Dr Menon' presentation on the epidemiology, social & personal issues and treatment programme modalities for Addiction management and Mr S K Bhalla's personal sharing and comments on the effectiveness of Self Help Groups in particular the AA, were very well received. A group of around 300 persons comprising doctors and medical paraprofessionals, addiction experiential persons and significant community members avidly attended the programme, despite it being held late afternoon on a Sunday.Clearly a strong need is felt and the desire for change is manifest.
Submitted by
Dr. M.S. Menon
Director Internal Medicine
Kripa Foundation

KRIPA VASAI GOES (HARITT) GREEN

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Under the able guidance of Mr. Robert Christian, an agricultural enthusiast from Vasai, it has been decided to cultivate the adjoining plot at the centre, with y vegetables plants & shrubs and fruit trees, to help the in-house clients to monitor their life and keeping in touch with nature as an ongoing process of mental and spiritual growth.
Accordingly from 22nd February 2012, the onset of Lent season, the gardening team started the routine work of plough, planting seeds, fruit saplings, watering the land under the general supervision of Mr. Robert Christian. The highlight of the programme was the various suggestions and initiatives put forth by the in-house clients.
It has been decided to have a stall of the fruits of hard labour put in by the team.

Submitted by
Mozen H
Kripa Vasai

THE FESTIVAL OF HOLI -CELEBRATED AT KRIPA VASAI

Holi - the festival of colors - is undoubtedly the most fun-filled and boisterous of Hindu festival. It's an occasion that brings in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance, lots of bright colors, and Unity. The festival signifying ‘good over evil’ can by synonymously correlated to ‘recovery over addiction’ in our Kripa Programme.




On 07th March, being Holi eve, a traditional pooja was performed and the lighting of the Holi fire, amidst a gathering of In-house clients & Staff of Kripa Vasai and VRACS. This was to bring alive the slogan, 'Fight the Virus - Not the Person'.


On 08th March, In-house clients were provided colors to spray on each other. It was a colorful day to see people of different faith take part in the celebration.



A sumptuous lunch and sweets followed by a movie concluded the day's programme

Submitted by
Mozen H
Kripa Vasai

Mr. & Mrs. Haroon and Rehana Ebrahim invite the children from Kripa Dharavi to their home in Goa.

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Mr. .Haroon and Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim along with their children Rubina and Ebu invited Fr. Joe to send the street children from Kripa Dharavi, to Goa for a holiday to celebrate the birthday of their son Ebu, at their residence in Goa. This was a birthday of a kind, a celebration that was spread over 5 days. The children were very excited to see the home of Ebu, as they had never been even close to a gate of such houses. They could not believe that this would be their home for the next 5 days. The children were so touched by the Ebrahim's hospitality that they soon felt at home and wanted, spontaneously calling Ebu- Bhaiya, Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim- Mummy, Mr. Haroon Ebrahim- Papa, . Rubina- Didi, Meher- Didi, Fr. Joe -Papa Joe. Uncle Khemchand, Fr-Bosco and Rajan and Deepak –Sir.
The children reached Goa in the bus donated by Celebrate Bandra Trust.Driven by Uncle Khemchand all the way from Mumbai. Fortunately, Fr. Joe was in Goa for a Conference by CACSAN (CMAI), and spent quality time with the children.Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited byFrancis Fernandes.

PAPA JOE -TEACH US TO PRAY

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Every morning and evening the children would meditate along with the staff, and on one of the days as Fr, Joe was meditating they all came to his side and in their own humble way joined Fr. Joe asking him to teach them to Pray and Meditate.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited
Francis Fernandes.

WHEN I WAS HUNGRY YOU GAVE ME TO EAT..THERE WAS ALWAYS A PLATE FOR ONE MORE.

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The children were well treated everyday with delicious meals of breakfast , lunch and dinner being personally cooked by Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim ( loving called Mummy by the children). So meticulously and well balanced with calories was the diet ,that m the children had never ending energy to play the whole day long. Most touching was to see Mr. Haroon personally serve the children, accompanied by Rubina, Ebu and Meher and would even partake their meals along with the children and Fr. Joe everyday.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes.

WITH SINCERE LOVE WE PRAYED FOR YOU ALL

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On one of the days Ebu and Meher took the children for a trip to Old Goa. On arrival at Goa they took the children to the archeological museum, a old ruined church , Se Cathedral Church and across the road to Bom Jesus were the mortal relics of St. Francis Xavier lies to rest. Each child was given a candle and as they walked hand in hand in silence they viewed and prayed in the huge church and later light the candles in offering. A very moving sight to witness the children pray in all their humbleness. On the way back they Were all treated to a ice cream.

Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes

THE BIG SPLASH

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The moment the children entered and saw the swimming pool, they were all excited and wanted to go for a swim. However as they were tired from a long journey from Mumbai, they were asked to rest after a good hot lunch. The children convinced Mummy to take them for a dip saying that they only wanted to wet their feet. Mrs. Rehana an angel that she is took the children on a quite….and also bay watched along. Fr. Joe too was enjoying seeing the children have fun from his 1st floor room, that was overlooking the pool.Thank God there was plenty of water...the big splashes would outbeat any Tsunami wave.

Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by

THE CHILDREN AT PLAY... FEELING HAPPY AND GAY..

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The children would enjoy their games of cricket , catching each other and running around the whole house. On one of the days Ebu & Meher decided to take them to the park unfortunately as the children were overaged they could not play as it was only for toddlers. Ebu a magician that he is took the children to Miramar beach were they enjoyed a game of beach football.At sunset they also sat for a meditation with Rajan and Deepak

Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes

FOR THE CHILDREN FROM PARADISE- A DREAM BOAT RIDE

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The children were taken for a boat ride on the Mandovi river. All excited, they boarded the boat each with a ticket dished out by Ebu & Meher at the gate. Being the first for many of the children they were stunned by the size of the ship. As soon as it was announced by the compere that they could dance to the live music, it was just footloose... stunning many people with their steps. Flashbulbs clicked their dancing by many tourists.To entertain them further, there were local cultural programs that lasted for an hour. On disembarkment the children were looking very sad as they wanted to have more fun. However on seeing Ebu & Meher on the dock they were all smiles as they rejoined their Bahiya & Didi again.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited By
Francis Fernandes.

FR JOE A TRUE YOGIC - SAYS CHILDREN

Although having an occupied schedule shuttling from meetings to conference and being with the children, Fr. Joe was dedicated to his yoga practice, this fascinated the children and even the elders around. All would sit in amaze at the flexibility and discipline of Fr. Joe practicing his asanas.

Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes.

CHICKEN AND FRENCH FRIES..OOH! WE ALSO DANCED AT THE SIDE

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At lunch it was announced that the children would be going to the park and later to KFC for a treat. After a good time on the beach the children were taken to KFC by Ruby, Ebu & Meher. Even before the children could settle down on their seats the food was served chicken, fried chips and a Pepsi with crushed ice. The children had a good time even dancing in the corner. Later the children were taken at the adjacent mall were they played on games and ran around with fun on the escalators, the security too had a soft corner and let the children enjoy themselves....
Submitted by
Rajan Wellingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by Francis Fernandes

A MID-SUMMER NIGHT DREAM-EBU'S BIRTHDAY AT 12 MIDNIGHT

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So auspicious 25th Feb -25th Birthday -that was Ebu Bhaiya's birthday date. The children all together planned with Mummy, Papa, Ruby Didi, Meher Didi to suprise Ebu to cut a cake at midnight. All excited they were wondering how to get him down to cut the cake. They came out with a brilliant idea, the youngest child Amaan was thought to pretended and cry, the child did a fantastic job a great actor in him, his wailing got Ebu down from his bedroom running and worried...Imagine the roar, all were there to greet him his Parents, Rubina, Meher and 16 special guest. The glow and broad smile on Ebu's face said it all. later Ebu mentioned that this was his best birthday prayer for him, being with these little children and thanked his parents and Fr. Joe for letting it happen.The children went off to sleep after some dancing and eating the birthday cake.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes.

THIS IS MY SONG....

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The Birthday party cake was cut with great fun and excitement, even the party poppers going off before the cake was cut. Beaming with happiness Ebu shared his birthday cake with his near and dear ones, making a point too see that no one was missed. The most touching was to see Ebu walk up to his grandmother and make her the center of attraction at the cake cutting.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Bret Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes

THE GREAT DAY..TODAY IS EBU BHAIYA'S BIRTHDAY

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On the 25th morning the children were all excited, after a dip in the swimming pool they dressed up for the party. The children wore party caps and danced to the best of Hindi tunes. What a joy to see them dance so well especially acknowledged by Mrs. Mariola Mathais and Fr. Joe. Mrs. Mathais even danced a few steps with them. There were games of passing the ball and musical chair. A great sight to see the children enjoy, cheat, run, laugh and even get sad as they were eliminated. What a consoling sight to see Ebu, Ruby, Meher at their side and make them smile. Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim had gifts for every child and saw to it that each child was a winner.
The Special birthday cake was out and all stood round it, his Parents, Grandmother, Uncle Razak & Family, Aunts, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Mathias, Ruby, Meher, the staff of their house and the special guests 16 children along with Rajan, Deepak, Khemchand, Mr.& Mrs. Agnel & Pamela and Fr. Joe. A joy to see Ebu share his birthday cake bite with all present . The children and guest were treated to a sumptuous lunch and delicious dessert all cooked by Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim. The party got more vibrant with the arrival of Meher's Parents and Grandfather.
After lunch the children were all looking sad, as they had to leave for Mumbai. But a great host that he is, Ebu diverted their mind by letting them take a dip in the swimming pool. what a perfect ending to a grand celebration.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes

GOODBYE MY LOVE GOODBYE......

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The dawn had risen when the children had to return to Mumbai. After a grand birthday party and sumptuous lunch, the children started packing their bags to get back home. It was very painfull for all to depart. All were moved to tears including the staff of the Ebrahim's. The children on the way back mentioned that they would never forget this trip all their lives. As a little child said " MAY ALLAH BLESS THEM FOREVER, Thank you Mama, Thank You Papa, Thank you Ebu Bhaiya, Thank you Ruby Didi, Thank You Meher Didi, Thank you Rajan & Deepak Sir and Thank You Papa Joe for loving us so much. WE WILL MISS YOU ALL"-AMAAN
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Amaan
Edited by Francis Fernandes