News/ Events

Nov 15, 2018 :  The Apostolic Carmel Association of Ladyhill unit had a memorable day by visiting SNEHALAYA, a psycho-social rehabilitation Centre for the poor, ailing, neglected and abandoned. This Centre run by Br. Joseph Crasta works under the motto “LOVE, CARE AND SERVICE” with Saint Mother Theresa as his inspiration. The work done by this Centre, in this remote area of Kerala State with the limited resources at his disposal is really commendable. We were really impressed by the dedication and the sincerity of the people involved in this work.

One needs to visit this place to watch with their own eyes the amazing work they are doing for such wondering mentality ill destitute, by providing medical treatment, care and social rehabilitation. It is not easy to take care of so many people with so limited resources but all of them are really doing an amazing job.

The type of cases they handle are not easy, one should listen to the stories they tell about the victims, it is not easy to listen to those stories without getting disturbed. But these people deal with these things on daily basis. It was really inspiring to see that Bro. Joseph along with his team is doing this work with a SMILE. His life story and dedication is a proof that if anyone wants to engage in such work it is possible under any circumstances. We all can give some reason not to do any such work but if we really want to do it is really possible and Br. Joseph a married man is an example of this.

Until now only men are taken into the ashram but Joseph plans for a separate ashram for women as well. Due to social exploitation and poverty of women, he plans to provide a comfortable stay for the suffering women. This is his most important dream to provide them good shelter. When many have taken social service as a business venture, Joseph is keeping far away from this thought and only wants to concentrate on social service and help the under-privileged and that is his only goal in life.

The neglected who used to suffer a lot, today enjoy their comfortable life at the ashram. When their beloved brother Joseph or their loving Jossy Anna comes to visit them, they rush to him and hug him in gratitude which is a sight to watch and it brings tears to the eyes of those watch them. Hats off to Br. Joseph and his dedicated team.