By Nora D’Souza Merai
Mumbai: I would like to share the role played by late Jesuit Father Fonseca and his Snehasadan (abode of love) in my life.
It was in 1975 and I was in the fifth grade awaiting my results. I was then living with my uncle and his family because my mother did not want me. The uncle told me that he would not be able to pay for my school education anymore. I would have to leave school, but I wanted to study further, so I went straight to my principal Sister Genevieve of Divine Child High School, Andheri (East), Mumbai.
The principal sent me to Father Placido Fonseca in Snehasadan, a Jesuit initiative in Mumbai aimed at helping street children find their feet and their dignity. Father Fonseca died on July 31 at the age of 84 in Mumbai, western India. The Jesuit had become Snehasadan director in 1970.
After doing a background check in a month, he assured me that he would arrange for my school fees. Thanks to him that I was able to study further.
Snehasadan not only paid for my fees but also sponsored my books and uniform. And I also got a lot of emotional support from the office staff when I visited them every month.
I also made some good friends with the residents there (one name that always comes to my mind is Gokul, but lost touch later).
I liked the way Snehasadan looked after its boys and girls with compassion and commitment. Everyone had a positive remark or a happy story to share about their stay, their house parents, and the way helped build their lives, education, and future dreams.
Fast forward, what I am today is because of Snehasadan and Father Fonseca. Thanks to God that I am now working as a senior executive for a Mumbai-based news channel. It is all because of the good work Snehasadan. Over the decades, more than 40,000 children have passed through its 17 homes, each group of 20 or 30 cared for by house parents under Father Fonseca’s affectionate, committed supervision.
Snehasadan has become a model for child welfare in India. In recognition of his work, Father Fonseca had received a National Award for Child Welfare in 1985.
I will always be grateful to Father Fonseca and Snehasadan. Thank you, Snehasadan; I always remember you and Father Fonseca in my prayers.
(Nora D’Souza Merai is a mother of two working in Mumbai.)