AURORA—On Aug. 13, a crowd of about 75 gathered at the home of St. Katharine Drexel parishioners John and Layla Groleau to listen to stories from Amma Vodi Orphanage (right) in Vijayawada, India.

 

The benefit dinner was inspired by the Groleaus’ January visit to the orphanage, which was founded by their longtime friend Father Simon Manjooran of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich. Over almost 25 years, the orphanage has taken in over 300 abandoned and runaway children and provided them with a safe home and a Catholic education. “Amma Vodi,” meaning “mother’s lap,” sums up the goal of the orphanage, which Father Manjooran explains:

 

“If we give the love of a mother to these children, then tomorrow they will give that same love to their children. Only then a better society will be formed.” 

 

For more information, or to support the orphanage, contact the Groleaus at 630-673-2779 or layla_groleau@yahoo.com