Divine Providence – Tilakwadi, Belgaum
The house of Divine Providence was started in 1921 through the inspiration of Sr. Angela Zottole. Good benefactors donated an unused distillery to the sisters who moved in there with their orphans from St. Joseph’s in 1921.An English medium school was started for them and soon the numbers grew, children coming even from the neighboring areas. The school up to std. VIII kept a high standard. The intelligent orphans continued their studies up to SSC and Teachers’ training in St. Joseph’s while the others were trained in tailoring and needle craft to gain their livelihood. In 1969 the new school was built and it became a government aided high school where numerous students have obtained their SSC certificates. Today it is a premier school with students receiving national awards while numerous orphans and poor are well settled, forming loving families and in turn giving life and love to others.
Simultaneously the number of orphans and court committed children increased greatly (400) in 1980’s. With the help of donors a crèche was built for the babies in 1960. In 1990 a new building was set up for the orphan’s residence and in 2000 the old convent building, distillery and chapel was demolished for a new convent and chapel.
In 1996 Canossa Nilaya- a home for married orphan boys (former babes in our crèche) was started on the outskirts of Belgaum city. A complex of homes, Nursery and Women’s work center helps them earn their living.
Today the only orphans in Divine Providence are the senior ones unmarried, retired and sickly. Here they are looked after with care and love. In the place of orphans, a boarding was started to educate poor village children in our school.
Blessings of God’s abundance was never lacking in this oasis of love where the destitute and helpless are always welcomed with hope and compassion.