Mumbai (AsiaNews) – These pictures are of begging children who were given lunch today, feast day of the Holy Innocents, at the St Catherine of Siena’s Home and Orphanage, in Bandra.
They are the children of destitute nomadic migrants (who come together, as clans) to sell balloons, toys, and cheap Christmas decorations, including pretty garlands, mistletoes, LED lights, Santa Claus hats, and masks.
Whilst the Maharashtra government has issued guidelines limiting Mass attendance to 50 people, these destitute migrants sleep on the sidewalks without social distancing or basic hygiene.
"Every Christmas we at St Catherine feed these children,” said Brother Joseph, director of the St Catherine's of Siena Home and Orphanage for destitute children, speaking to AsiaNews. “This year too, we served them breakfast and lunch. They are our ‘shepherds’.
“In our own times, children suffer from innumerable forms of violence that threaten their life, dignity and right to an education. Father Anthony Elenjimittam, our founder, called the destitute children ‘angels in rags’.
“This is our celebration of today's Feast of the Holy Innocents. May they be healed, their innocence restored, and may they be empowered through education.”
