Purpose:
The community began as a study house for the candidates and to engage in vocation ministry.
Besides this the sisters were also engaged in pastoral ministry such as family visit, teaching catechism, meeting the spiritual needs of the old and sick, taking part in the parish council and other meetings of the Diocese.
On 7th June 2002 a centre was opened for women and children who are the victims of HIV/AIDS by Dr. Philomena who was the head of the department of the pediatric at Goa Medical College. This was initiated at her ancestral home at Cansa, Tivim. The sisters volunteered to collaborate with her in this noble work.
From July 2003 this care centre is run under the auspices of Caritas - Goa. In April 2004 the women were shifted to Cavalossim and our care centre became only for children.
Social-cultural background:
Initially Goa was a Hindu state. With the arrival of Portuguese in 15th century Hindus were converted to Christianity. Thus, many Goans adopted Portuguese culture and became more westernized. Also, today many have migrated from other states such as Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, etc., in search of job opportunities and better living. So, Goa has become multi – cultural state.
Community and Mission:
1. ASRO- the care home for the children suffering from HIV/AIDS
2. Asha bhavan – Home for the senior disabled & Women in distress
Convent Services
The sisters actively engage in outreach programs, reaching out to the marginalized and underprivileged. They organize and manage welfare activities, empowering communities through compassion and care.
Dedicated to spiritual guidance, the sisters support faith formation and personal growth. They lead prayer services, retreats, and provide emotional and moral support to those in need.
OUR GALLERY
We warmly welcome you to reach out to us. Whether you have questions, need support, or seek spiritual guidance, our doors are always open. At our Convent, we are dedicated to serving with love and compassion, inspired by faith and a commitment to the community. Let us walk together in the light of Christ's teachings.
Holy Cross Convent, ASRO, Home for HIV/AIDS children, Bardez Taluk, Tivim, Dammedem 403 502, Goa
09921545689 / 09922094698
holycrosstivim@gmail.com
Social Work
Service 1
ASRO- the care home for the children suffering from HIV/AIDS at Tivim Goa is the project of Caritas Goa managed by our sisters. ASRO as the name suggest, provides shelter for destitute/ orphaned children with HIV/AIDS, where clinical management of symptomatic infection with early diagnosis is done, rational treatment of infection inclusive of opportunistic infections is given, and nutritional support is provided. Besides, home nursing care to provide symptomatic relief, personal hygiene and prophylaxis, infection control, palliative and terminal care is part of the relief given.
Currently there are 25 children. From 2012 children are admitted to the regular schooling which has brought in them joy, happiness, wellbeing and sense of belonging to the society.
Besides their academic subjects our children are taught to play music, art, craft, drawing, flower making, indoor and outdoor games and computer classes. Most of them are talented and are gifted. Some of them have won prizes and medals.
As our children suffer from HIV/AIDS their immune system is severely compromised, this means that in order to keep them healthy they need protein rich diet, vitamins and minerals, medication and specialized care. The children also need to go to the hospitals for frequent checkups and blood test and from time to time are admitted for treatment and investigation. All the children take special medication.
Service 2