Views of SHCH 

Empowerment of the poor and exploited especially equipping them for social transformation is a necessity of the time. Education is the best means of empowerment in order to build up an egalitarian society and it is an integral part of Evangelisation. The marginalised especially the young and the women are in need of such liberative education. The Bishops of India (CBCI) in their recent policy statement have emphasised the need and nature of educational ministry for the marginalised people : " Education has always been an important part of the Church's mission... Keeping in mind the words of Jesus that He has come to give life and life in abundance (John 10/10), education, from the standpoint of Christian faith, aims at the all-round formation of the human person with a view to empowering the person to create a society inspired by the Gospel values of service in love, peace rooted in justice and fellowship based on equality. "( FINAL STATEMENT OF THE 27TH GENERAL BODY MEETING OF CBCI:   Catholic Education and the Church's Concern to the Marginalized . 15 th February 2006).

The Bishops propose a few concrete pastoral initiatives for the realization of the vision of the Church in India: As Church, in imitation of Jesus who made a preferential option for the poor, we commit ourselves to focus particularly on the marginalized to enable them to take their rightful place in the life of the country and make their contribution to the progress of the nation. Hence, as a body, the CBCI has decided:

1. to ensure that every Catholic child has a place in our educational institutions.

2. to establish more hostels/boarding houses, especially in rural areas, since these have proved very effective in imparting a sound education to the marginalized.

3. to ensure that every Catholic educational institution has a special concern for the marginalized, especially the girl-child.

4. to identify talented children from the marginalized communities with a view to preparing them for higher and professional education. Among them, we hope to train a select group for social and political leadership.

The main objective of this Home is evangelisation and Christian education of girl-children and formation of the future leaders in Vellore Diocese. To realise this vision SHCH building houses two institutions: 1. St. Hildegard Children's Home (SHCH) and 2. Shine Academy for Educational Excellence (SAFEE) . Poor but talented girl children will find accommodation and get quality education in the Home. Rigorous training in leadership & communication skills, exposure to social problems and thus developing concern and involvement for social justice will finally make them future leaders. Shine Academy for Educational Excellence will conduct special trainings & offer intensive coaching to prepare the youth for professional courses and for the high echelons of administration in the civil and ecclesial society. In brief regular and methodical training and Christian education in SHCH will carve out of the marginalised children the pillars of future society. Mahatma Gandhiji said: Give education to a man, it will benefit only an individual, whereas education given to a woman will benefit the entire community. Hence, we firmly believe that our efforts to educate the girl children will also lay the strong foundation for the emancipation of the exploited and marginalized people and thus realise the Kingdom of God here in this part of the earth.

St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a remarkable woman from Germany , a "first" in many fields. At a time when few women were educated and could write, Hildegard, known as "Sybil of the Rhine", produced major works of theology and visionary writings. When few women were accorded respect, she was consulted by and advised bishops, popes, and kings of her time. She used the curative powers of natural objects for healing, and wrote treatises about natural history and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees and stones. She has been a composer par excellence. As a Benedictine nun she founded a vibrant convent, where her musical plays were performed. Although not yet canonized, Hildegard has been beatified, and is frequently referred to as St. Hildegard. Her story is important to all students and an inspirational account of an irresistible spirit and vibrant intellect overcoming social, physical, cultural, gender barriers to achieve timeless transcendence. She stands as a wonderful role model for the inmates of SHCH to dream, strive and to achieve great things!

Education is not only an enterprise of the individual learner but also of the environment. Hence, SHCH will offer the poor children right ambient to dream high and strive hard to realise their dreams. It will be a training camp for motivation and launching pad for the diligent students. As CBCI has rightly pointed out such homes are needed to equip the marginalised for a just and peaceful society.

Holy Cross Mission along with the support of St. Joseph 's School and Holy Cross Sisters will maintain the Home in the future. Christian Community in Veppoor is very grateful to the Holy Cross Sisters, for joining hands with the parish priest to take care of the children and the day to day administration of the home. Hope and pray this team will find a smooth sailing and serve the poor children to achieve higher ideals with God's grace channelled through SHCH & SJS!