Childrens’ Christmas in the Orphanage – Volunteering in India

We work with a few Christian organizations in Chennai, India.  Country Manager Stephen Raja reports on a very merry Christmas Eve celebration with our holiday volunteer team. Read about a children’s Christmas in the orphanage:

This year we’re celebrating Christmas with the children of Assisi Illam. Last evening, all the volunteers joined the children and Sisters of Assisi Illam at the orphanage and at Midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in St. Thomas Mount. We attended the English Service which started at 9.30 PM and finished at 11.30 PM. Then after Mass, we went back to the orphanage and cut a cake for Christmas and distributed presents to all the children.

Today, we’re taking the kids to the National Shrine of St. Thomas on the Mount. It’ll be fun to walk up and down the mount with the children.  The Apostle Saint Thomas arrived here around 52 AD.  This is the place where he was martyred and buried.  It’s a popular Christian monument, along with the Basilica and the museum of the Apostle’s life.  You can read more about this important shrine here.

Stephen Raja and his family; wife Sheeba and son Roshan.

Thank you to all the volunteers who share their holiday season with our children.  It shows to them that the world cares about them.  The volunteers tell us how meaningful it is to be with such joyful children during the Christmas season.  We’re all very grateful.  Happy holidays to all!

Read more about Global Volunteers’ India Service Program. Choose “India” in our Partner Community list on the right to learn about volunteering in India through the voices of our volunteers.