Azhagusirai, Madurai(India). Claretian Mercy Home reently celebrated its 25th anniversary. This home, whose objective is the battle against female infanticide, was founded on December 28, 1987 – the Feast of the Holy Innocents – by Fr. Francis Xavier Dirnberger, CMF.

It is a work inspired by the words of Jesus: “I have that they may have life in abundance” (Jn 10:10).

The Home, under the direction of the Claretian Missionaries was initially run by the “Sister Servants of the Poor” (Dina Sevana Sabha), but currently works as a “shared mission” with the “Sisters of Charity of St. Mary” and a team of their own staff.

The home welcomes girls (and eventually boys) in the Madurai region who run the risk of being killed by their own parents. Initially the parents are given the opportunity to rethink their intentions, but if necessary, the home facilitates the adoption of these infants in worthy homes.

The 25th anniversary celebration was held this past January 5th during a eucharist celebration presided by Mons. Peter Fernando, Archbishop of Madurai. Concelebrating were Fr. Vincent Anesthasiar, CMF, Provincial Superior with members of his government; Fr. Makizchi Mannan, CMF, current director of the Home, as well as other Claretians and priests. Among the people participating were some of the adoptive parents with their children, religious women, members of the working team, and civic representatives.

The celebration was animated by a cultural program, talks by the civil authorities and various participants, as well as being a time of fraternal sharing

For more information: http://cmfmercyhome.org