A Month of Grace and Generosity at Mysore Home: Highlighting Visits, Feasts, and Faithful Service

The late summer days have been a period of immense activity, profound grace, and beautiful generosity here at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Mysore Home. From inspiring youth visits to a blessed Feast Day and an honored retirement, our Home has truly been buzzing with life and love.

Youthful Energy and Compassion Enliven the Home

August brought a wonderful infusion of youthful energy from two different institutions, reminding us of the deep connection between generations:

A Day of Service with Nursing Students 

On August 22nd, we welcomed 66 Nursing Students and two Staff Members from St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, Mysore. Their visit was driven by a genuine desire to offer direct care and service to our residents. They spent the morning interacting, cutting nails, combing hair, and making beds, followed by a time of vibrant entertainment.

The students delighted everyone with singing, dancing, skits, and games. What surprised them most was the talent and spirited participation of our dear residents! The question lingered: who enjoyed it more—the students who came to give joy, or the residents who overwhelmed them with their own youthful efforts? We are deeply grateful to Fr. Thomas Roxon Baros, Principal, and the staff for organizing these invaluable visits, which also helped us share the beauty of our vocation with these young, often Catholic, women.

Police Academy School’s Generous Contribution 

Another highly commendable effort came from the Students of the Police Academy School. When the Little Sisters approached the Principal for a contribution towards our upcoming Mini Fete, the entire staff quickly mobilized the students. They collected a massive array of gifts: toiletry articles, kitchen provisions, and other useful items.

The students visited on August 22nd during their lunch break to hand over their gifts. Despite it being exam time, they performed a short program, greeted each resident, and left with hearts full of joy and the assurance of the elders' blessings for their future. Their staff and youngsters truly edified everyone with their selfless giving.

NCC Cadets Learn Empathy

The month concluded with another important youth visit on August 30th from the NCC Cadets (Junior Division and Junior Wing Troop) of Excel Public School. As part of their Social Service Activity, 47 cadets contributed essential items and spent quality time with our residents, offering emotional support and companionship. This meaningful experience, guided by First Officer Gayatri C. K. Kumar, taught the cadets valuable life lessons in empathy and social responsibility, reflecting the core values of nation-building.

Celebrating Our Foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan

The month was crowned by the Feast of our Mother St. Jeanne Jugan on August 30th. It followed a grace-filled Novena with active participation from everyone in the Home.

The Solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Emeritus of Mysore, Rt. Rev. Thomas Anthony Vazhapilly, alongside our chaplain, Fr. Arul Selvakumar. The Mass, celebrated in Kannada with a beautiful and melodious choir, was intensified by a solemn entrance, Prayer of the Faithful, and an Offertory Procession.

A Blessed Gift

We were all wonderfully surprised at the conclusion of the Mass! Mr. Gladson, who felt deeply inspired during his initial visit to the Home’s all-day Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, decided to donate a large Monstrance. He presented this beautiful gift on the Feast Day to be blessed by the Bishop. St. Jeanne Jugan, who had a profound love for the Eucharistic Lord, is surely pleased by this generous gesture that will enable our residents to benefit more from the day of Adoration.

Honoring Faithful Service: Mr. H.C. Kumar’s Retirement

In the afternoon of August 30th, the celebrations continued as we held the retirement function for Mr. H.C. Kumar, our faithful driver. Though officially retiring after reaching the age limit, he will continue to serve the Home after 17 dedicated years.

The multipurpose hall was packed for the function, which was graced by the presence of our Mother Provincial and Mr. Kumar’s dear family. We honored him with the traditional Ponnadai (shawl), a garland, a bouquet, and Mother Provincial placed a 'Petta' (a special Mysorean hat) on his head—a custom unique to the King’s city.

The entertainment that followed was breathtaking, featuring lively dances by our Lady Residents and Men Residents, colorful programs by our employees, a skit, and singing. The highlight was Resident Miss Jacinthe Doney, who dressed as St. Jeanne Jugan, arriving 'from heaven' to personally appreciate Mr. Kumar's service!

Mr. Kumar, a Hindu, served the Home with immense dedication and concern for the safety of both the Sisters during collection rounds and the Residents during outings. He attributes all the blessings his family has received—including his son and daughter merit-completing their PhDs with stipends—to working in "God's house." His journey from business failure and debt to prosperity is a powerful testament to the blessings of faithful service. We thank him for his selfless devotion and wish him a joy-filled next chapter!