Ponder over these touching and profound words from Sr. Valentina

Valentines Little Heaven, located in the quiet inner lanes of Colva, Goa, is more than an orphanage—it is a true home for children who might otherwise have had none. From the moment one enters, there is a sense of warmth, belonging, and care that defines life at the Home. Established in 1995, Valentines Little Heaven is founded on a simple yet powerful commitment: to nurture children toward a healthier, happier, and promising future. The Home provides a holistic approach to child welfare, offering safe shelter, quality education, skill training, nutritious food, healthcare and hygiene, counseling, and opportunities for arts and recreation. Under the dedicated leadership of its founder, Sr. Valentina Mascarenhas, the Home has transformed the lives of countless vulnerable children. This is not merely an act of charity, but a space where children discover love, dignity, joy, and the confidence to realize their full potential in a supportive, family-like environment. Life at Valentines Little Heaven is enriched by a wide range of extracurricular activities and shared experiences, creating an extended family of boys and girls, some of whom are now preparing to step confidently into independent life. For many, this Home has been a turning point—offering freedom from hardship and vulnerability, and becoming a true “heaven on earth” where hope and opportunity replace suffering.

The first boy to enter Valentina’s

Valentina’s commences its journey of love and compassion Joel Mascarenhas was the very first child welcomed into the Home. Sr. Valentina encountered him on the street - a one-day-old infant on the brink of abandonment. The site of little Joel, lying abandoned on the street, touched her heart. She felt compelled to take him into her care. Joel was born with a serious heart condition and Sister (who, by then became his “Mama” poured all the care and attention to restore his health. Sadly, he passed away on 03rd March 2026 after a brave struggle with a fatal illness at the age of 29 years – something miraculous. Joel was a cheerful and lively young man. His life remains a living testimony to faith, resilience, and the possibility of overcoming even the greatest of adversity. Valerian D’Sa, entered Valentina’s Little Heaven as an early entrant into the Home. He was nurtured in a way that saw him take on responsibilities in ‘Valentina’s Little Heaven”, and perform them with success. Today, he functions as Sr. Valentina’s trusted associate and is an invaluable pillar of the Home. Designating him as “Administrator” has roots in the way that he was groomed to take on roles of leadership. Sr. Valentina inculcated in Valerian administrative and managerial skills. That is now his role and function in the Home – to be a ‘big brother’ to the youngest ones and be mentor to the teens and older ones. Deeply devoted to the boys and girls under his co-guardianship, he gives himself tirelessly to their wellbeing, often placing their needs above his own personal comforts.

Valerian is a living testament to Sr. Valentina’s nurturing spirit. For Sr Valentina, the entire work of founding Valentina’s Little Heaven was a pilgrimage of love and care for the dispossessed. She recalls having to travel outside Goa seeking help. She approached the Madras Medical Mission who did what they found possible within their means. One late evening, Sr. Valentina sat in desperation on the street, eyes dripping with tears, when a woman intervened with an offer of support to Late Joel. This woman from Vienna, encouraged her to obtain a birth certificate for Joel and prepare passports. Miraculously they received tickets to travel to Vienna. Sr. Valentina’s narrative continues: “Back in Goa, life continued with the other children who depended on me. I registered the orphanage. My workday began at sunrise and continued until midnight. Providing education for so many children was not easy. God’s generosity always found its way to us. Despite tough challenges, the children continued to grow and succeed. Sr. Valentina ensured they received proper education. 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.

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31+
years of
experience
40
Children
10+
Staff