Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in India?
FR

Translated into English.

Original post
NI
Hello,

I’m looking for people who’ve volunteered with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in India for any useful info.

Thanks so much in advance for your replies
MI Mimiabd ·
hi Nicorose,

You're looking for info on the Missionaries of Charity, so here are a few details that might help.

Last summer, a friend and I spent a few days in Calcutta (among other Indian cities). Our goal was to help out in Mother Teresa’s dispensaries, which we did on a very small scale.

There are 4 or 5 centers: Nirmal Hriday (a hospice), Prem Dan (for physical and mental illnesses), Shishu Bhavan (an orphanage), and Dayan Dhan (a center for children, some with multiple disabilities). We were at Dayan Dhan, and the severely disabled children there gave us so much! I often find myself thinking about one of them in particular.

From what I remember, sign-ups take place on Wednesdays and Fridays (maybe Mondays too, but I’m not sure). A French-speaking volunteer is there to explain everything (the different centers, the rules, and tips to follow), then a sister handles your registration. There were so many of us that we had to choose between volunteering in the morning or afternoon—full days weren’t possible because it would’ve been too many volunteers to manage. If you’d like, every morning at 7 AM, there’s a breakfast offered at the Mother House. It’s supposed to be a chance to chat with other volunteers... though for us, it wasn’t that easy to connect with them—but that’s just my take! Thankfully, the sisters were amazing!!!!!!!!!!! I’m not Catholic, and I didn’t feel any difference in how the sisters treated me—no issues there!

This might be a bit subjective, but it’s what I can share after a year of reflection. Also, this is just about the dispensaries in Calcutta—things might work differently elsewhere. This summer, I’m going back, but this time to Delhi.

Have a great trip! Meriem
Meriem
FK Fklarinette ·
Hi!!

If I understand correctly, you sign up on-site—no need to contact them in advance...? Can you go for a short period??

I’d be interested in the contact info for Delhi!!

Thanks!!
Claire
MI Mimiabd ·
Hi Claire!

Regarding volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, you don’t need to contact them beforehand—just show up at the Mother House as indicated and follow their guidance on-site!! You can stay for just a few days or even several weeks... They won’t ask you to commit to a specific period (at least, that’s how it worked for us). For Delhi, I think the process is the same. According to Lonely Planet, there are two centers in Delhi—one that only accepts female volunteers (an orphanage), and another that cares for the sick and dying.

If all goes well, I’ll arrive in Delhi on July 8th and leave on August 18th. Maybe we’ll cross paths there—who knows...

Meriem
Meriem
FK Fklarinette ·
Hi Meriem!

Okay, I'll check out the site to get more info!! For someone like me who struggles to plan things in advance, this could be a great tip!! But I heard that the Missionaries of Charity can be a bit tough... is that true?? Otherwise, I was planning to go in September, but I'm not so sure now because I wanted to avoid the monsoon, but I heard it's still monsoon season in September... do you think that's a problem?? If I change my dates, I'll keep you posted!! :)

Safe travels, anyway!! 😎
Claire
NI Nicorose ·
Hi Claire,

I’m butting into your conversation a bit, but I’m planning to travel solo in October for a month. If you’d like, we could get in touch and see—if you’re up for it, of course!

nicorose
FK Fklarinette ·
Hi there!!

I’d totally be up for it, but I don’t think I can really push my trip back to October...😐 But let’s keep in touch, okay!!

See you soon!
Claire
MI Mimiabd ·
Hey Claire! There will definitely always be things to do if you go to the Missionaries (I can't speak for other organizations or NGOs I don't know).

It can be tough, it really depends on each person. It's certain that if you decide to help in the home for the dying, you'll need to be prepared for that and remind yourself that the goal is to brighten these people's days as much as possible. In the center where I helped, what might seem difficult is the personal and emotional relationship you can have with the children's disabilities. Some have VERY fragile health. But holding hands, singing, talking... it's simple but it's probably what you'll be doing, and maybe also some "household" tasks (changing sheets, cleaning beds...).

As for the monsoon, I can't tell you about September since I've never been there at that time. What I can say is that in Calcutta last July, we weren't "bothered" by rain during the day. But we didn't stay long enough, so maybe it was just luck 😛

Anyway! See you soon maybe.

Meriem
Meriem
NI Nicorose ·
Hi there,

Thanks for your reply.

Let me know the dates you could go, because I can work around your schedule.

If you’d like, you can send me your private address.

nicorose
MI Mimiabd ·
hi Nicorose! I arrive in Delhi on July 8th and leave again on August 18th. Let me know if you're in Delhi during that time. Here's my personal email: mimiabd@hotmail.com

See you soon!
Meriem
AU Audreyacy ·
hi! I'm Audrey and I just found your conversation. I'm heading to India in September and traveling solo, so I wanted to check where you're at with your travel dates and plans. I'm thinking of spending a week with the Missionaries of Charity in Delhi, but after that, I'm not too sure yet. I'm leaving on September 8th, probably.

Let me know if anyone's interested! Have a great day! Audrey
LA Lachevre ·
Hey Fklarinette! I’m planning to head to Calcutta to help out at Mother Teresa’s centers in early September. I haven’t decided on the exact departure date yet—or my return date, for that matter. It could be anywhere from a week to three months (no pressure, haha). I’m also traveling solo, which is a little scary. It’s my first time going beyond Europe, and I’ve never traveled alone or done volunteer work before…! So if you’re up for seeing if we can go together, that’d be great! Keep me posted!
claire
JU Julibotte ·
Hi Nicorose,

My name’s Juliette, I’m 21 (turning 22 soon). I’ve just finished my studies and I’m planning to go to Kolkata to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity in October. I’m looking for other volunteers who’ll be going at the same time because my parents are hesitant about me going alone... Even though that’s not a deal-breaker for me, it’s always good to make contacts before you leave.

If you don’t mind, maybe we could get in touch? I haven’t bought my flight ticket yet.

My email: justyger@hotmail.fr

Have a great day! Juliette
Julibotte :-)
BR Brunoskater ·
Hi Nicorose,

Here’s some info that might help with your trip.

You can easily organize your stay in India to work in one of the Missionaries of Charity centers or dispensaries (Mother Teresa). Everyone is welcome, and you can choose how long you want to help (1 day, 1 month, 1 year, etc.)—and it’s completely free!!! Don’t worry, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the Mother House, often by French-speaking volunteers who are staying long-term in Calcutta and handle the registrations (the first one on Monday afternoon). If you don’t attend the 6 AM mass, come to the Mother House for breakfast at 7 AM—it’s a really friendly atmosphere, and it’s easy to make connections and meet other volunteers who then head out to the centers together. Last year, I spent 15 days with the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa) at an orphanage for disabled children (Dhaya Dan), ages 3 to 15. There’s also another orphanage in Calcutta for little ones aged 18 months to 5 years, exclusively for female volunteers (Sishu Bhavan). My orphanage also ran a street dispensary twice a week: I assisted a Spanish doctor and two Italian and French nurses (we learned on the job, and everything was in English—isn’t it great!!!). The rest of the mornings, I taught two disabled girls and then helped with laundry and setting up before serving lunch to other children.

For your stay (I’ll use Calcutta as an example, where most volunteers live), budget at least 10-15 € per day for meals and a room. Add your flight ticket on top (around 700 €). You’ll see how it compares to some NGO budgets!!!

For hotels, it depends on your budget (always visit before choosing—I love places with a terrace): Under 300 INR (cold water): Paragon Hotel (Stuart Lane, a small street perpendicular to Sudder, at the corner of Hotel Maria): 2 terraces packed with volunteers in the evening Modern Lodge (also on Stuart Lane): a small, breezy terrace (so refreshing!)—lots of volunteers The Salvation Army is permanently closed to make way for a luxury hotel!!! 450 INR (hot shower in the room) to 950 INR (total luxury!!! hot shower + AC): Ashreen Guest House, 2 Cowie Lane (50 meters away, near Hotel Ashok—take a small perpendicular street, then the first right parallel to Sudder)

For more details on Calcutta and the life of Mother Teresa center volunteers, check out these links:

http://com-unique.net/...es_calcutta_volo.htm (in French)

http://membres.lycos.fr/volunteermotherhouse/ (in English)

Bruno
EM Emie31 ·
Hi everyone,

A quick question—is there a Missionaries of Charity center in Mumbai?

Thanks, Emilie
BR Brunoskater ·
Hi Emilie,

If it helps, I found 3 places in Mumbai (formerly Bombay):

orphanage: Missionaries of Charity Church Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai - 400 056. Tel.: 2 618 40 68 (ask for Sister Beryl, who runs the orphanage) around 75 orphans aged 0 to 6.

centers for the sick and destitute Shanti Dhan- Missionaries of Charity (ask for the brother who runs the center) Gorai Road, Borivali (West), Mumbai - 400092. Tel: 28671362 elderly men and children who have spent more than 8 years on the streets.

Cardinal Gracias Destitutes’ Home - Missionaries of Charity 17, Chapel Lane, Santacruz (West), Mumbai – 400 054. Tel: 2649 2994

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Bruno
EM Emie31 ·
Thanks a lot, Bruno!

Do these centers work the same way as the ones in Calcutta? Mass, breakfast at 7 AM with the volunteers, then taking care of people. Can you sign up the same morning?

I’m a midwife—do you know if they need medical professionals?

Thanks! Emilie
BR Brunoskater ·
Sorry Emilie, but so far I’ve only worked in Calcutta. Medical staff are needed when a center also runs a street clinic one day a week (like in Calcutta), and in that case they look for nurses, nursing assistants, or any volunteer willing to help the volunteer nurses clean wounds and apply dressings (like on Tuesdays at the Dhayan Dan center in Calcutta).

I hope other volunteers can help you with your search. Best of luck.

Bruno
VI Vie111 ·
Hello, I want to travel to India with my 3 kids and my partner. We’d like to visit Mother Teresa’s centers. Is it easy to do without a guide, and is it safe for teens (15, 13, and 12 years old) to stay in modest accommodations? We’re planning to go to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Goa. Any suggestions?

Thanks! Have a great day, Stéphanie

stephanierousseau2@hotmail.com
BR Brunoskater ·
Hi Stephanie,

You can't "visit" Mother Teresa’s Centers. It’s a matter of human dignity.

The centers are open to volunteers to help people (children or adults) who are often orphaned and disabled, or to accompany the poor or the dying in their final days.

Bruno
VI Vie111 ·
Hi there,

Thanks for your reply. I didn’t explain myself well—I’d like to visit India while volunteering at Mother Teresa’s centers. As I mentioned, I have three kids, and I was wondering if it’s difficult for children in the centers. My kids already volunteer in Montreal with the Missionaries of Charity sisters, but I’m sure the context is very different in India. Also, for my trip, is it possible to hire a guide to take us from one place to another (from one city to another), or are train transports safe with kids? How much money should we budget per day in India if we want to stay in modest places and eat like locals? Is it easy to find affordable and safe places to sleep?

Thanks, Stéphanie Have a great day!

stephanierousseau2@hotmail.com
BR Brunoskater ·
Hi Stephanie,

As far as I know, in Kolkata you need to be at least 18 to volunteer. That may have changed since my last trip. If you take the train (very long journey), bring padlocks and chains to secure your luggage. Locals sometimes take advantage of a moment of drowsiness to steal your bags. Even when you're awake, keep a hand on them. Stay in guest houses—there are plenty everywhere (5 €–10 per night). The cheapest places to eat are street restaurants (from 1 € in Kolkata).

Safe travels.

Bruno
VI Vie111 ·
Hello,

Thank you so much for your time! Have a great day, Stéphanie
PH Philipecesar Regular ·
Hi Nicorose,

You're looking for info on the Missionaries of Charity, so here are a few details that might help.

Last summer, a friend and I were in Kolkata (among other cities in India) and stayed there for a few days. Our goal was to help out in Mother Teresa’s dispensaries, which we did on a very small scale.

There are 4 or 5 centers: Nirmal Hriday (a hospice), Prem Dan (for people with physical and mental illnesses), Shishu Bhavan (an orphanage), and Dayan Dhan (a center for children, some of whom have multiple disabilities). We were at Dayan Dhan, and the children with severe disabilities gave us so much in return! I often find myself thinking about one of them in particular.

From what I remember, registrations take place on Wednesdays and Fridays (maybe Mondays too, but I’m not sure). A French-speaking volunteer is there to explain everything (the different centers, the rules, and tips to follow), and then a sister handles your registration. There were so many of us that we had to choose between volunteering in the morning or the afternoon—full days weren’t possible because it would have been too many volunteers to manage. If you’d like, every morning at 7 AM, there’s a breakfast offered at the Mother House. It’s supposed to be a chance to chat with other volunteers… though for us, it wasn’t that easy to connect with them—but that’s just my take! Thankfully, the sisters were amazing!!!!!!!!!!! I’m not Catholic, and I never felt any difference in how the sisters treated me—no issues there!

This might be a bit subjective, but it’s what I can share after a year of reflection. Also, this is just about the dispensaries in Kolkata—things might work differently elsewhere. This summer, I’m going back, but this time to Delhi.

Have a great trip! Meriem

Meriem, How are you? Yes, your post is old, but could you share the addresses of the sisters in Delhi and Varanasi? Have a lovely evening! Eric Haeny
IS Isabrière ·
Hi there! I’m turning 22 soon and will be finishing my psychology studies in June. I’m planning to go to Kolkata alone for volunteer work at one of Mother Teresa’s centers (preferably Sishu Bhavan or Daya Dan) starting in September for about three months. Is your trip description still up to date? If so, I’d love to ask you a few more questions! Thanks so much! Isabelle
PA Palmier58 ·
Hi everyone, I’m reaching out to you on the off chance (even though years have passed since your stay) that you might know how the registration process works for volunteering in Delhi or Calcutta. Can it be done from France for organizational purposes? I’m a retired nurse. Is accommodation available at the Mother’s House? What about meals? I’ve already volunteered in Africa with another organization. Are the sisters in need of small medical supplies (blood pressure monitors, thermometers, etc.)? Could you describe a typical day at the dispensary? Thanks for sharing your experience.

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