[Sr. Maria Ange B.S. was a teacher by profession. She retired as Headmistress at Rosa Mystica high school Kinnikambla. Now residing at Bethany convent mother house Bendoor.]

An Angel of Mercy

I was unaware of neither Snehalaya nor its founder Mr. Joseph Crasta and his life in Manjeshwar until I read in a newspaper about the “Snehalaya Manna”, a daily free meal program he had started a few years ago for the nearly 700 poorstand-byy at-tenders of the poor patients at the Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore. I was touched by his merciful love for the poor. So I spoke to him over the phone and expressed my appreciation for his selfless and brave venture to help the helpless. After that, we began to communicate with each other and he occasionally started visiting me in spite of his busy schedule. Thus I came to know of his humane, selfless, simple, and outgoing nature by taking the lead to serve the ones about whom society doesn’t care or shows concern through deeds of kindness.

Through my association with him I have learned a lot and his work along with his team. Now, Snehalaya is in the 11th year of its existence. The Founder and Director of Snehalaya, Mr. Joseph Crasta has become “An Angel of Mercy”, a shining example, a witness of the compassionate and merciful love of God. He and his family live together with the inmates of Snehalaya. His humanitarian service has hundreds of incidents, one such case that disturbed him was when he saw a mentally ill, dirty, hungry destitute young man feeding himself from the dustbin kept on a street corner, along with the street dogs and cats. This sight touched his heart and gave him a turn in his life. He somehow persuaded him to sit in his rickshaw and took him home, bathed him and dressed him in fresh clothes, fed him, and began to take care of him. When he saw more and more such people on the streets, he began to rescue them and took the task as a Mission. Seeing them getting better, healthier, peaceful, and happy, he continued doing the same for more people. By then he realized that God has called him for this special mission. He saw the opportunity to serve the children of God and thus he became a man of vision, action, and mission. Seeing the result of his selfless social service, some like-minded people joined him and began to render help. Thus, those who live on streets and pavements, destitute, outcast and downtrodden, mentally retarded, physically and mentally sick children and adults, hungry, naked, crippled, lepers, blind, uncared for and unloved and shunned by everyone became the members of his extended family. Their security became his security, and their health and well-being became his well-being. So he began to provide not only food and shelter to them but also good medical care. Snehalaya campus is situated at Bachalike near Manjeswar which has become a landmark by itself. Separate buildings for men and women psycho-social rehabilitation center, good and dedicated staff & doctors, nurses, and permanent volunteers are rendering loving service cheerfully make the campus outstanding in service. Donors, well-wishers, priests, nuns, and a huge team of supporters contribute their share in their own way. Snehalaya caters the diversified humanitarian service to society. Through the regular service inmates by providing care, training, medical aid, treatment, and rehabilitation of the mentally ill destitute, they have established a facility for the neglected senior citizens named Shanthi Dham, during the corona pandemic social reach-out activities, distributing food and medical kits to more than 1300 families is remarkable, during the floods, land slights the Snehalaya team was present to wipe their tears and empower them, support them and rescue them in several circumstances. Providing free meals is another joyful activity carried out by Joseph & his team 700 meals each day for more than 6 years, during corona for migrants, travelers, and volunteers the service was extended.

Snehalaya has provided housing for around 8 families in just 5 months, and repaired around 25 damaged houses of the poor. The dedicated volunteers have walked miles and miles to accomplish this mission. Medical aid, educational sponsorship, rescuing alcoholics and admitting them to de-addiction centers, and free counseling are some of the major activities that have made Snehalaya different from other institutions.

Regular free Medical Camps like Dental camps, Eye Camps, HIV, etc., are organized for the people of the village and the inmates. The inmates are provided excellent recreation facilities, Outings and picnics, games, and sports are conducted on special occasions. One of the praiseworthy activities is their transparent documentation. The center has become a role model to many. Their biannual newsletter “Sneha Sparsh”, a private circulation is published to inform the public about the work done by Snehalaya Trust. It is very informative and motivational. Thus, Mr. Joseph Crasta has become an example and inspiration to witness God’s, merciful love. His service is accepted with joy, gratitude, and admiration. He has become an unasked God’s gift, of his love, compassion, and providence, especially to those who are hungry for love and being abandoned by their own. In his home, such people get acceptance, love, peace, concern, care, and comfort. When Jesus spoke about the ‘Last Judgement’ he said, “… as you did to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”. (Mt 25:40) Let me quote here the words of Joseph, “It does not matter how big or small that you give, but it gives hope for someone to live”, and request your cooperation, help, and support to Snehalaya in your own way. I also request your prayers for the well-being of his family, and all the inmates and staff of Snehalaya who work there with Mr. Joseph Crasta, the Founder and Director of Snehalaya. May God bless and reward him.