ashray charitable trust

NEWS

December 29th, 2008

Benares School Fund Founder's Yearly Visit - Fun Filled trip to Sarnath

Each year Mr. and Mrs. van Staalen visit Varanasi to meet with all the students that their Benares School Fund sponsor for education. Marien van Staalen was greatly missed due to his commitments at home but Conny's presence was wholeheartedly felt. This year several new children were admitted into the Benares Schhol Fund program. Each child was visited in their home by Conny to create a trust and bond between the foundation and the parents of the children. She was able to meet with each of the 120 children at a fun filled meeting where the children's eyesight and hearing were tested. Accompanying Conny this year was Miss Toos Hoogwinkel, a long time friend of Father Francis and a dedicated compassionate teacher, who returned to teach the children of Nagwa once again. Now eighty years of age, nothing deters her from this noble cause. This year she taught our grades four and five English to assist with their transition into their new schools for the furthering of their education. She is an exceptional teacher who is dearly loved by all her past and present students, and especially by one of her former students Sangram Pal who is now, himself, a social worker at Ashray. Conny and Toos’ visit had a superb grand finale with all of their students and the staff of Ashray venturing out to Shanti Ashram for a day of fun. The children thoroughly enjoyed the games, visiting the zoo and temple, and finally a delicious home cooked meal on site. The children squealed with delight and sang songs as the sumo set out, as many had never been in a vehicle before. We were sad to see Conny and Toos go, but we excitedly look forward to their return next fall.

September 10th, 2008

News from Nagwa

It is with great reverence for life that we send our blessings to the families of Ram Adhar and Nagu Ram who both passed away this summer. Nagu Ram died on July 20th, 2008. Ram Adhar died on September 4th, 2008. They had been suffering with longstanding illnesses. Father Francis and I both, said special good-byes to these villagers before leaving India , as we had hoped their suffering would end before our return to Varanasi . May Peace Be With you - Jai Ram.

Fr. Francis

August 4th, 2008

Photo Gallery Update

The photo gallery has been updated. Pictures of the Holy city of Varanasi in which we live and work are added.

There are now also pictures of the area in Varanasi called Nagwa. These pictures give you an idea of who the people are that we serve and how they live. Ashray - The Nagwa Social Center is right in the middle of Nagwa.

Also pictures of Ashray's new ambulance are added. The inauguration of the ambulance at Ashray was a big and joyous happening. To the people of Nagwa this ambulance symbolizes a certain status in society which before they never had as casteless people.

July 19 & 20, 2008

Droitwich, U.K.

I flew to Birmingham and spent the weekend in the lovely little town of Droitwich Spa. I came to thank The Sacred Heart Church for their support over these last ten years. Building the Ashray Nagwa Social & Health Centre was the millennium project chosen by the people of the Justice and Peace group – the Social activism group of this Parish community. They began fundraising ten years ago, and in 2002 we began the building of what now stands as this beautiful community centre for the people of Nagwa.

A great big thank you to all of the people who contributed in making our stay so hospitable. Father Tom was very generous, allowing Father Francis to address the parishioners and do the homily. I was honored with the opportunity to speak at the end of mass thanking the people of this wonderful community for building this beautiful little hospital I call my home, and of course for their continued support.

The weekend was flawlessly planned out by Ms. Elizabeth Prakash, Ashray’s Director who is the connection to Droitwich, as The Sacred Heart is her childhood church. Mary Gough, and Dhriti Prakash were ever so kind and generous in picking us up from the Birmingham Airport, chauffeuring, entertaining, feeding and housing the travelers – so a special thanks to them for all their efforts – A very special thanks to Judith Cussen who is the chairman of the Justice & Peace Group. She generously set aside time on the day of her 70th Birthday party to welcome us in the church – and who very generously took us to the airport on Monday morning. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Droitwich and are looking forward to hosting a few parishioners in Varanasi in the future!

With Love,
Fr. Francis