St. Anthony's School and Orphanage

While visiting my school I asked about orphanages in India. The principal has a sister who is a nun and runs an orphanage in Delhi. Before I knew it she had her on the phone; her sister wanted to know when I was coming. Not knowing what I was getting into, we agreed that I would go there later that day. Another group member requested to go with me (thankfully!). We got an auto rickshaw to take us to the designated spot about 20 minutes away.

The driver did not want to let us out in this poor and uncertain part of town. We didn't even have an address. We got out anyway. I asked the cleanest looking person on the street if he knew the place scribbled on the small scrap of paper that I held in my hand. He directed us to a large building with a steel door, which was bolted from the inside. A guard opened the door and we entered the gate.

Inside was a sight to behold. The grounds were an oasis in a world of chaos. Sister Julia warmly welcomed us and invited us to come and visit. The children we found were clean, healthy, well cared for and very happy. They embraced us and wanted to have their pictures taken. It was obvious that they were nourished and loved.

There are about one hundred children who live here and will stay until they are old enough to live on their own. The compound also is school for 2000 children. This is a government school therefore, the sisters who teach at the school earn a salary. The money, in turn, supports the children. The Orphanage is also funded by the generosity of sponsors and donations. It truly runs by the grace of god.

The children here are so fortunate to have found this refuge. Just on the other side of the walls are children who are not so fortunate. Every night many children are sleeping on the sidewalks, they go to sleep hungry, bath in puddles and are in dire need of the very basics of life. On almost every street in Delhi you see poverty. Families barely survive living one day at a time. For them, life is tenuous at best. The world is in great need of more people like Sister Julia. Keep the children in your prayers.