On 14^th and 15^th January 2016, Auxilians visited old age home, juvenile jail, Kamakhya orphanage, Peergacha primary school, Mother Teresa’s home, Providence home and South Kazipara School to spread the message of love by lending out a hand towards  the less fortunate. Students entertained them and spent sometimes with them. Some groups also had some interesting programmes and games with the inmates on the spot. Indeed the Works of Mercy were practiced in a tangible way by visiting the sick, lonely, those prisons and by clothing the necked, comforting the sorrowful. The brick field workers were invited to Auxilium, Barasat.

Whole school contributed towards the solidarity week collection but from class five onwards were directly involved in distribution. The real joy and happiness were seen in the faces of givers and the receivers.

The class IX  A students who visited Kamakhya Orphanage stated, “Although these children are less privileged ones yet they are happy and contented with the things they have, so we should also be happy with whatever we have and be grateful to God ”.

Debasree Pal of Class IX C, who visited the Providence Home exclaimed, “Sisters gave a home to them for whom the sky is the roof and the cold earth is the common floor. We loved our endeavour of community service which brought a broad smile on the faces of children”.

Class VIII girls who visited Green Park and met the mentally and physically challenged people said, “We witnessed the tussle they go through”.

Class VIII boys who visited Kishalaya the juvenile home also shared their experiences, “Many boys came forward to sing songs, recited poems and played football match showing their equal talents as the Auxilium boys.”

Class VI boys and girls who went to South Kazipara primary school also commented, “When we were distributing the things we felt inner joy that touched our hearts. They are really poor they have nothing compared to what we have”.

Class V students who saw the brick field workers coming in sheer poverty some even without a pair of slipper said, “Now we understand what the reality people face is when they are poor and we take things for granted.”

Indeed the reality in and around Barasat has touched the hearts of the Auxilians and their eyes were opened to realize how blessed they are with various opportunities in life. They were very grateful to the management and the school for providing this opening to be generous, loving and caring.

Sr. Basanti FMA