My experiences at Nirmal Hriday, home for destitute by Mother Teresa

April 27, 2013

As you approach Kalighat from the metro station, first you see the famous temple of Kali which is frequented by thousands of people, especially during the days of the festival. People come in hoards to worship and thank God for the blessings they have received. But I am sure most of them are unaware of the oases love and compassion which exists almost next door to the famous temple, the home for the destitute and dying, the first love of Mother Theresa started back in 1952.

Mother Teresa received what she described as a "call within a call". She had been traveling on a train to Darjeeling to do her retreat when she received an "inspiration," a message that told her to leave the convent and help the poor by living among them. That started a journey, with just a few rupees in hand, picking up the first victim on the road side, and carrying him and bringing him to Kalighat to look after him during the final moments of his life. “ I THIRST”, the words spoken by Jesus on the cross, which you find inscribed at many  locations at Kalighat, are  very much indicative of the condition of the inmates and their thirst for love and compassion.

I had decided to do volunteer work at Kalighat when I was told that I needed to take a break after my retirement as a faculty member at St Aloysius College. I  wanted to spend about ten days at Kalighat, volunteer there by  looking after the destitute and the dying. I had worked at the same place back in 1987 for about  45 days. It was a wonderful experience and I wanted to do it once again. But then on the 13th March I got the news that Fr General had appointed me Rector of St Aloysius College. I decided immediately to go  to Kolkata spend a week at Kalighat and do my retreat, eight days of silence and prayer in preparation for the new assignment as the Rector of the prestigious College in the south with a history of 133 years.

I arrived in Kolkata on 8th and the same evening I paid a visit to Kalighat. Met Sisters there and told them that I would be there every day as a volunteer for the next eight days. The warm and cheerful greetings given by sisters was indicative of the joy with which they work to alleviate the suffering and pain in the lives of so many men and women who find solace at Kalighat. I sat in the Chapel above, in front of the holy Eucharist and prayed. I was very much moved, and realized that Jesus present in the tabernacle in the Chapel above,  and in reality, he was there below, in those who were abandoned by their own families, left on the roadside to die and now looked after by sisters, volunteers and other helpers.

Next eight days of my stay were very rewarding. I used to reach Kalighat  early morning by 8.15 and start work immediately. Most of the inmates were already ready after a good bath given by volunteers and my job was to give a shave, wash linen, give water to drink, converse with them, carry them back to their cots, sit by their side holding their hands, smile at them, say “Hi” as I passed by and even sing a few songs to entertain them…thus in many ways I tried to reach out to those inmates who had nobody of their own to say that they are loved and cared for.

We used to serve lunch  by 11 a.m. Some of the inmates had to be fed using spoon. Some of the inmates were also difficult cases. They refused to eat. And we have to spend a lot of time coaxing them to eat. One such person whom I was feeding on the fourth day of my work, passed away the next day. Many of the inmates who are brought  to this place are in a very bad shape do not survive. I remember Cameron one of the volunteers from Canada was sitting next to the one who was quite serious and was on oxygen. He was finding it difficult to breath. He passed away the next day. Cameron was holding his  hand. His instant reflection was “isn’t it a great thing  to realize that what we do during our short span of life is meritorious when we reach out to others?”. One of the blessings these inmates experience is that there is someone to care for them at the time for their final moments in life. Sometime it is sad to see that our own near and dear ones sometimes pass this world with nobody to hold their hands and say that they are cared for and loved!!

I was interacting with some of the volunteers. Lee Horscraft  from Australia had to say this about his visit. “My girlfriend really wanted to visit Kalighat and I  wanted to volunteer in India. I wanted to try and help people and  make them feel good. Kali Ghat was very hard at first. Seeing all the sick people and not knowing what to do or how i could help. Speaking or trying to communicate with the inmates was very rewarding especially as we became familiar with each other. It made me realise how fragile life is and to try and enjoy much as much as possible and to do good where i can.”

On the last day I visited Shishubahvan, located close to the Mother House of MC sisters. It was a heart rending scene to see many children ( more than 150 ) abandoned by their own mothers to be taken care by sisters and volunteers. At this place you find children who are just born and abandoned, up to the age of 10. Some of them are spastic children,  others physically and mentally challenged, unwanted by their parents. When enquired, sister in charge told me that even rich people abandon children when they find that they are physically challenged. They just leave children outside the door of Shishubhavan and disappear. There was a case when the child left outside was mauled by a dog. But the soothing thing is that these children find a lot of love and care and are looked after so well by all those volunteers and sisters.

Mother Teresa always said, “Do not abort the unborn, bring them to me and I shall look after them”. Unfortunately our world has become callous where girl child Is not wanted and children born out of wedlock are either aborted or abandoned.   We have something serious to think about and guide our youth.

One of the redeeming factors here is the presence of so many volunteers, especially from other countries. During the days I worked there I met two young boys  from Chile, two from Australia, one form New Zealand, three from mainland China, two from Singapore, Japan, Spain, Canada, UK and United States. I really appreciate their generosity to come and volunteer at Kalighat and Shishubhavan. They were very serious in their work. They did all sorts of work, from cleaning the floor, bathing the inmates, feeding, shaving to  interacting with the inmates. I am very much touched by their simplicity and their attitude of selfless service. When I enquired why he came to Kalighat, Mark told me, “I wanted to experience the lives of the people abandoned. I had heard of this place and I wanted to come and work for some time”. This is what Omar  Kouhlani, a student of ESAD, Spain said about his experience at Kalighat: “I enjoyed working at Kalighat so much that I tried to go morning and afternoon. It's been an experience like none I had before, like a master lecture on humanity, religion, friendship, love, dignity, Indian culture, brotherhood and life as a whole. For me it was a accelerated way of maturing”.  Dillon Hyland from New Zealand had to say this about his experience: “I really wanted to volunteer to add depth to my travels to give spiritual purpose to my time away so in a way it was for selfish reasons. though that quickly changed when I arrived in Kalighat i felt so blessed to be able to hold their hands and speak with them even though i didn't speak Hindi and they no English. To be able to spend time with the man on bed 15 with whom I spent so long trying to feed will forever be a cherished memory”. I also tried to feed that same person who passed away the next day.

One of the highlights of my experience at Kalighat was the Holy Eucharist celebrated for the Sisters and volunteers on Sunday, 14th April. In  my message I highlighted the question Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”. Jesus was asking Peter whether he was ready to love with the type of love Jesus loved- complete self-giving and self-surrender. I told the congregation that all of us are invited to love others in the same way Jesus loved us and the fact that we were there was an indication that we were willing to go an extra mile in our lives. I also brought to their notice that experiencing suffering and pain in our lives and in the lives of others, awakens us to the reality of life that “we come empty handed and we have to go empty handed”. Whatever good we have done in life will outlast us and any amount of money or wealth will not be of any use when we start the next journey. Hence we would get true satisfaction when we give, share with others and build institutions which could educate our youth to be harbingers of goodness, compassion and love. Commenting on this in Facebook, Rupert Rego, an alumnus of St Aloysius College wrote: “……A message so simple, yet so complex; so mundane, yet so cathartic. Fr Denzil Lobo....ever so inspiring!…  “.

Thereafter I spent eight days at Dyanashram in silence and prayer invoking God’s blessing on me and all the others I came across and  especially praying for graces and blessing as I take up the next assignment as the Rector of St Aloysius College, Mangalore on 2 May, 2013.


Fr Denzil Lobo
Fr Denzil Lobo is Rector Designate of St Aloysius College, Mangalore, and Director of AIMIT, the Management & IT School of St Aloysius College, Mangalore. Fr Denzil can be contacted at denzil@staloysius.ac.in and web site www.aimit.edu.in
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Comment on this article

  • Carlo Lauletta, Ferrara , Italy

    Sat, Apr 25 2015

    I visited Nirmal Hriday in 1975. It was possible for any tourist to enter, watch the sight of dying people, and take photos. The nuns made no objections. It was customary to leave a reward.

  • TO VISIT NIRMAL HRIDAY, TAPAS MUKHERJEE

    Fri, Aug 01 2014

    I am myself a patient of liver cirrhosis.By profession an engineer.Age-47 years.Can I come to any of your help? Please reply.

  • Michael Noronha, Mangalore/Mysore

    Fri, Dec 27 2013

    Amidst all your achievements I find your service at Nirmal Hriday the most worthy to emulate. Your achievement in starting AIMIT is very much the fruit of the prayers of the destitute you served at this place. May Jesus bless all your endeavors.

  • Fr. Cyril Veliath SJ, Tokyo, Japan

    Tue, May 21 2013

    That is a great work that you are doing Denzil. Do keep it up.

  • Richard, Malebhave,Bantwal / UAE

    Fri, May 03 2013

    I would have missed to read if some one we both love had sent me the link. Nice Article and also

    CONGRATULATIONS.
    I will pray to GOD for His blessings at your new assignment

  • Denzil Fernandes, Mangalore

    Thu, May 02 2013

    This is really an EXCLUSIVE and EXCITING EXPERIENCE. May God Bless You as you take up your new assignment as the Rector.

  • Agnello, Mangalore/Muscat

    Wed, May 01 2013

    Kudos to the sisters who carry out the divine work and thank you Fr.Denzil for spending your time with them. I remember how our new Pope Francis was reminded of the poor before he took on the his current role. May you be inspired by the same way as you take up your new role. All the best.

  • Fr.Cyprian Capuchin, Mangalore

    Wed, May 01 2013

    Wonderful Experience Fr.Denzil I wish you all the best in your new assignment and We are with you

  • f.l.fernandis, Detroit/bangalore

    Wed, May 01 2013

    Dear Fr.Denzil,
    Really Fr.on reading your your experience at Kalighat home for destitute of Mother Theresa my eyes become wet started thinking of poor and handicap children.I can make out rich and able people also leave their children infront of door of the seva sadan and.Inspite of all the institution take care of all of them and do noble work.Really great!Fr. you have shown all of us right path. Our thoughts and prayers with you.Thank you.

  • Valentine, Mangalore/Bandra

    Tue, Apr 30 2013

    Very inspiring spirit of humility shown by Fr.Denzil- going all the way to Kolkata and working with the orphans & destitute. Surely you must have been hinted by your fellow Jesuit- Pope Francis- for the Poor. of the Poor.
    A great way to embark on a new assignment.You now have a different perspective with which to tackle your duties.God Bless !

  • Herrick, Mumbai

    Tue, Apr 30 2013

    Nice to see good people serving GOD's children. You all are making Jesus feel happy.
    I honestly say yes GOD is feeling happy looking at your affection towards mankind.
    Great job. Keep it up.
    GOD Bless. Alleluia.

  • Dr Edmond, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 30 2013

    nice to know ! Rich and superior

  • Umesh, Chickmagalur/Bangalore

    Sun, Apr 28 2013

    Very nice and inspiring Fr.Denzil. I have visited twice 'Mother Theresa Home for dying destitute 'in Bangalote. It amazing to see the dedicated nuns and the care they take for inmates. I feel great to be there. Umesh-umesh@hoovi.org

  • Rupert rego, Muscat

    Sun, Apr 28 2013

    Your narrative took me to those days of AICUF while in college back in the mid 80's when we would join you as students in such spiritually moving sojourns Fr. Denzil...Appreciate the quote, thanks!

  • Rupert, Mangalore/ Muscat

    Sun, Apr 28 2013

  • Max and Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore, Dallas/Houston, Texas

    Sun, Apr 28 2013

    Dear Fr. Denzil,

    Thank you so much for sharing with us your insight and your dedication at Normal Hriday, the home for destitute of Mother Theresa. It is extremely praiseworthy that you chose last few weeks at the noble Institute of Mother Theresa at Kolkhota prior to your taking up the new assignment as Rector at St. Aloysius College.

    Your quiet presence and dedication at Mother Theresa Ashram will bring you seven fold success in all that you wish to pursue in your future endeavors in life. Mother Theresa will watch over you, and so also your father and mother too. Mother Theresa's sincerity towards the poorest of the poor in India will go beyond hundred years where millions of needy people will reap the benefit of her dedication to life. As you rightly stated, time and time again, we have coming into this world with nothing and we shall go away for our heavenly reward with nothing. Mother Theresa taught us that fruit of sincerity is prayer, and the fruit of prayer is faith. While fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is silence. You have done it all over the past few weeks at "Nirmal Hriday" and may God help you to lead the pathway of success in all that you plan to do in your future life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "Dhanyawaadh".

  • swamy, mangalore

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Dear Fr Denzil
    Your experience, rather the repetition of your experience, is highly commendable. Your decision to go over to Kolkotha in preparation before your taking up the responsibility shows your seriousness of this job. With the Grace of God and the blessings of Mother Teresa you will bring meaningful changes to St Aloysius.

  • Ganesh, mangalore

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    no words.

    but only i can say. i love Mother Teresa.

  • jackson dsouza, Canada

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Great comments Brian.

  • pradeep, bangalore

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Congrats fr denzil. You have shown a great example of service. May many be inspired by you.

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Inspiring experience Fr. Denzil Lobo. I read whole article and feeling good about what more we can do to add value to our life!

  • sr.Severine Menezes SAP, Belur/Hassan,Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Nice to know the noble service of a great personality. Continue to work miracles in the lives of many even in your mission. God be with you always. All the best...

  • Ivan Saldanha-Shet, Mangalore-Rosario

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Dear Fr Denzil,
    Your thought and deed are moving at this juncture. Glad to see your write-up and the great idea behind it.May it motivate a lot of good people. CONGRATS & Good wishes. Warm Regards. -ijss.

  • jerry Pintp, Bondel/Doha

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Thank you Fr. Denzil for enlightening our minds through this indepth heart rendering article. You will find the same dedication of service with compassion and love from MC sisters in other entres like Dehi, Mumbai and particularly Lucknow where they have leprosy colony. Wishing you all the sucess under your dynamic leadership to reach St Aloysius College to greater glory.

  • Anthony DSouza, Madanthyar/Bahrain

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    A plain narrative, yet quite inspiring and heart rendering.The reading took me back to the memories of my visit to 'shishubavan' along with my students in Bangalore when I was with Christ college Bangalore.Except for Camilas fathers who devote their lives in service of the HIV infected and lepors, (I visited their Seva Sadan in Mangalore to make an article for Deccan Herald)I have not come across many priests who go an extra mile as you did,to practise what they preach!Your attempt to experience total sel-fless service is exemplary and inspiring to the ecclesiastics and the laity alike! Great father!!

  • Iboyaima, Bangalore

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Such an inspiring and 'humanly' meaningful piece. Thanks for sharing this divine experience, dear Fr..My prayers and wishes...and I wish to join you in such a venture someday!

  • BRYAN BRAGGS BIJEI, MANGALORE

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    VERY INSPIRING AND WELL DESCRIBED PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AT THE MC AT KALIGHAT.HOPE TO HAVE A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WHEN I VIST THERE.GOD BLESS YOU FR IN YOUR NEW ASSIGNMENT AS RECTOR OF ST ALOYSIUS INSTITUTION ALL THE BEST

  • BRIAN VAZ, Mangalore/ BAHRAIN

    Sat, Apr 27 2013

    Great Inspiring Experience. May Blessed Mother Theresa Give You All the Strength to work in His Vineyard Especially with your New assignment as Rector of St Aloysius College Mangalore . Good luck & prayerful Wishes. Brian Vaz Bahrain


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