Mangaluru: Olavina Halli Rehabilitation and Community Development Centre has reached another significant milestone with the inauguration of a new residential block for destitute women. This beautiful new facility, a fitting Golden Jubilee memorial, can accommodate 75 women and provides them with a safe, comfortable and dignified living environment.
Until now, these women had been accommodated in three small, tiled-roof houses that were in a dilapidated condition. The new building marks a significant transformation in their lives, offering not merely better accommodation but also a renewed sense of dignity, security and belonging.
Olavina Halli is a sanctuary of hope, love and compassion, providing care and shelter to young women with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities, as well as destitute senior citizens, both men and women. The institution is managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa.
For the past fifty years, this mission has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of society. Its dedicated service has been proudly recognised with the prestigious 2024 Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award.
Founded in 1974 by Sr. Amelia Cimolino in a village near Thalapady, approximately 18 kilometres from Mangaluru, Olavina Halli initially focused on the rehabilitation of individuals recovering from leprosy and tuberculosis. As medical advancements gradually reduced the prevalence of these illnesses, the institution adapted its mission to address another pressing humanitarian need: providing a loving home and a family environment for abandoned elderly people, destitute individuals and young women with intellectual disabilities.
The present project has been made possible through the generous contributions of local donors and well-wishers. A major share of the financial support came from the philanthropist Michael D’Souza. Other generous contributors included the children of Alphonse and Gemma Coelho, Antonietta Cimolino, and the Association of Polse Olavina Halli. Their generosity and commitment have transformed this dream into reality.
The newly constructed building features spacious ten-bed accommodation rooms with attached bathrooms, along with dedicated facilities for doctors, nurses and physiotherapy services. These thoughtfully designed spaces will ensure better healthcare, comfort and holistic care for the residents.
A special attraction of the building is the memorial museum dedicated to Sr. Amelia Cimolino, the visionary founder of Olavina Halli. The museum preserves her inspiring legacy and pays tribute to her pioneering spirit, selfless dedication and lifelong commitment to the service of humanity.The new building was inaugurated by Sr. Luisa Bonforte, Assistant General of the Sisters of Charity, in the presence of Michael D’Souza and his family.The basement floor and the museum were inaugurated by Antonietta and Eilzabetha Cimolino, nieces of Sr. Amelia Cimolino, along with her friends from Italy. The entire building was blessed by Most Rev. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru.
The occasion was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including:
- Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, former Medical Director of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, and present Pro-Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte.
- Prathiba, Assistant Account Officer, MESCOM, Konaje.
- Sandhya, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), Thalapady Gram Panchayat.
- Amzath Khan, Village Accountant (VA), Thalapady Gram Panchayat.
- Rev. Fr. Victor D’Mello, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Paneer.
- Rev. Fr. Cyril Pinto, Chaplain of Olavina Halli.
- Ivan Sequeira of Patrao Caterers, businessman, Valencia.
- Ravindranatha K., Red Cross member and former Public Relations Officer of Vijaya Bank.
Michael, in his address, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Sisters of Charity for their commendable and selfless service to the most neglected and marginalised sections of society, often carried out without seeking publicity or recognition. In keeping with the spirit of All Saints’ Day and Karnataka Rajyotsava, he called upon everyone present to embrace the call to holiness by becoming saints through acts of love, kindness and service to the poor and needy.
- Sr. Luisa Bonforte, Assistant Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, expressed her gratitude for the dedicated service of the Sisters. She emphasised the importance of solidarity and synodality in carrying forward the mission of mercy and compassion.
- Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, commended the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity for their silent, steadfast and relentless works of mercy. Highlighting the profound meaning of selfless service, he recalled the Sisters’ heartfelt response to the question, “What do you gain by serving these people?” Their simple yet inspiring answer was, “I receive grace when I see their smiling faces.” This response beautifully reflected the joy and spiritual fulfilment found in serving those in need.
- Prathiba, Assistant Account Officer, MESCOM, Konaje, expressed her happiness at being part of this grace-filled celebration and conveyed her best wishes to the Sisters for the continued success of their noble mission.
- Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, Pro-Chancellor of Yenepoya Deemed to be University, offered valuable suggestions for sustaining and strengthening this mission. He encouraged those present to support the initiative by sponsoring a day’s meal for the beneficiaries and generously pledged his own contribution towards this noble cause.
- As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the former administrators and those who had rendered dedicated service to Olavina Halli were honoured in grateful recognition of their invaluable contributions. Their commitment, hard work and perseverance over the years have played a significant role in shaping the institution and sustaining its mission of love, care and compassion. The following individuals were felicitated for their valuable service: Engineer C. J. Lobo, Contractor Richard Rodrigues, Joy, who was responsible for electrical and plumbing works, and Prashanth, Supervisor.
- The felicitation was a meaningful expression of gratitude for their dedication and the lasting contributions they have made to the growth and development of Olavina Halli.
The programme began with a warm welcome by Rev. Sr. Aileen Mathias, Administrator and Superior of Olavina Halli. Mr. Ananda, the Accountant, proposed the vote of thanks, while Sr. Noeline and Sr. Lima beautifully compered the programme.The entire celebration was made memorable and meaningful through the wholehearted cooperation and collaboration of the neighbouring community, particularly the parishioners of the First and Second Wards of Olavina Halli Church.
The inauguration of this new residential block is more than the opening of a building. It is a celebration of fifty years of unwavering commitment, sacrifice, generosity and compassionate service. It stands as a lasting tribute to the vision of Sr. Amelia Cimolino and to all those who have faithfully carried forward her mission.Above all, this new facility is a symbol of hope for 75 women who will now experience a more comfortable, secure and dignified life.