A little over 30 years ago, Sr. Valentina left her congregation. She desired the freedom to do the things that she felt were most important for the society around her. One late night, she quietly walked away from the congregation. She did not know where she was going or what she would do next. She only knew one thing with certainty: she wanted to serve women in distress, especially unwed mothers.

While moving through the streets, she also witnessed the miserable conditions of children who had been left uncared for, with no one to call mother. Her heart and mind came together in that moment, and she realised that this was not a time to wait for a comprehensive plan or strategy. The need was immediate. There were women in distress, but also infants and toddlers who were hungry and had no shelter.

Sr. Valentina looked up to the heavens and asked God, *“What shall I do? I need a miracle. I need the means to give these children food and a warm, safe place.”*

I looked around and took it upon myself to approach people who seemed willing to help. I asked for nothing for myself. Most days I managed with only one frugal meal, focusing instead on caring for the children and meeting their needs.

Before I knew it, I had nearly 80 children under my care. Many were babies who required the most basic essentials. One day I wandered through the market and found someone who wanted to sell his cow. He needed Rs. 3000. After searching everywhere and pleading for contributions, I could only gather Rs. 1000. I realised that I needed to supplement my income and began working as a maid for half a day, earning Rs. 100.

The cow gave a fair amount of milk, which I distributed equally among the children. To feed the cow, I would wander through fields at night collecting grass so that it remained healthy and well fed.

Often I stood outside ration shops and pleaded with people who did not purchase their full share to donate rice, pulses, or whatever they could spare. Feeding the children was always my first priority.

Life was not an easy pathway. It was like walking on stones and thorns. But I remained determined. Over time, my character grew stronger and I became capable of doing much more than I had ever imagined.

Joel, however, had a serious heart condition. Doctors in Bombay examined him and declared that he had no more than 24 hours to live. Today Joel is 29 years old. His heart condition continues to be serious, and many doctors have predicted that he had only days, weeks, or months to live.

Yet God stretched His hand over Joel, and he has overcome the worst despite frequent emergency hospital visits. Even at the famous Jaslok Hospital in Bombay, three specialists examined him for an entire day. In the end, they again declared that Joel would die within 24 hours.

In desperation I sat on the street crying, when a young girl approached me and assured me that he would not die. My mind was in turmoil, but my love for Joel would not allow me to give up. This young girl from Germany, whom I had met on the street, encouraged me to obtain a birth certificate for Joel and prepare our passports.

I went to the passport office, and through the influence of a minister we managed to get Joel’s passport issued—even though he had no birth certificate because he had been abandoned.

I had no idea where I would find the money for tickets to Austria, where Joel’s operation was to take place. Yet everything came together miraculously. We received tickets to Delhi, and special arrangements were made for us to travel to Vienna. We were even provided accommodation in a five-star hotel.

Joel was admitted to a leading hospital and underwent a six-hour surgery. He remained in the ICU for 20 days. When I finally met him and called his name, he responded. It felt miraculous. We stayed in Vienna for three months before returning to India.

Back in Goa, life continued with the other children who depended on me. I registered the orphanage. Imagine caring for 80 children with no staff. My workday began at sunrise and continued until midnight, often sustained by only one meal. I had to enroll children in schools, pay their fees, and find money for daily provisions. Providing education for so many children was not easy.

Yet generosity always found its way to us. I believe it came through God’s blessings.

We also needed infrastructure to support our work. Coordinating everything required resources. We faced challenges regarding the property we were using, and that struggle continues even today. The situation became more difficult because members of my own family questioned the use of the premises.

Despite all these challenges, the children continued to grow and succeed. I ensured they received proper education, and even arranged marriages for several of the girls with qualified young men. Today six of them live in the United Kingdom, one in the Maldives, and two remain in Goa.

Even now I continue to do many of the basic tasks myself—looking after the cows and maintaining the building and infrastructure. Earlier I also had to cook, but today we are blessed with capable staff who help in the kitchen, and a generous community that sponsors almost every meal.

I am also proud to say that one of the children who grew up in this home gradually took on responsibilities and is now the Manager of the Home. We could not have found a more capable person for this role.

Our children and staff are not angels—they are wonderful human beings with talents and gifts. We live together as a family. Everyone calls me *Mama*, and Valerian stands beside me as my trusted right hand at all times.