Among the green hills and forests of Rayagada District in south-western Odisha, India, lies the small village of Serema. Here, St. Joseph’s Nivas, the Children’s Mission of the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception of India (CFIC), has become a home of hope for boys from poor and underprivileged families.
Rayagada is a predominantly tribal and economically disadvantaged district in Odisha, India. Many families belong to the Kondh, Pano and Saura communities. Though they are hardworking and deeply rooted in their faith, poverty and limited educational opportunities make it difficult for many children to continue their studies beyond primary school.
For a family living on a daily income of around ₹300–₹350 (approximately USD $3), school fees, books, uniforms, food and hostel expenses can be a heavy burden. Many boys therefore leave their villages in search of work, often at a very young age.
Responding to this need, CFIC established St. Joseph’s Nivas in Serema. What began with just 10 boys has now grown into a loving home for 27 boys from remote villages of Rayagada and Kandhamal districts of Odisha, India. Some come from families that have lost a parent; all come carrying their own struggles and dreams. For these children, St. Joseph’s Nivas is much more than a hostel. It is their home, their school, their church and their family.
Many arrive shy, quiet and homesick. Some have never owned proper footwear or experienced the security of a stable home environment. Through the patient love and personal care of the CFIC Fathers and Brothers, they gradually begin to feel that they belong. Their smiles return, their confidence grows and they discover that they are valued and loved.
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Their day begins at 5:45 a.m. with Morning Prayer and Holy Mass. After breakfast, they attend St. Anne’s English Medium School, Serema for their education. Their evenings include games, study, personal responsibilities and community life, ending with the Holy Rosary.
Along with formal education, the boys receive formation in faith, discipline, hygiene, hard work, music and Christian values. They learn hymns in Odia, Kui, Soura, English and Hindi and participate joyfully in the liturgical life of the Church.
The mission is not simply to provide food, shelter and education. Inspired by the charism of Blessed Luigi Maria Monti, CFIC seeks to help each child grow into a good human being, responsible citizen and committed Catholic.
A particularly joyful moment came on 16 February 2026, when ten of our boys received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist during the celebration of the feast of St. Francis Xavier at Gumuda. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Aplinar Senapati, Bishop of Rayagada. For the boys and the entire CFIC mission, it was a beautiful moment of grace and faith.
A Mission We Share Together
St. Joseph’s Nivas continues through Divine Providence and the generosity of benefactors and well-wishers. We are deeply grateful to the Diocese of Columbus, USA, whose support has become a blessing for these children in India.
Your generosity reaches far beyond distance. It becomes food on a child’s table, books for school, clothing and footwear, educational opportunities, a safe place to live, and the loving care that enables a child to dream of a better future. Behind every contribution from the esteemed Diocese of Columbus to the CFIC Children’s Mission is a child who receives another opportunity to learn, grow, and hope.
We humbly ask you to continue keeping the children of St. Joseph’s Nivas and the CFIC mission in India in your prayers. Together, through faith, compassion and generosity, we can help these children grow with dignity and confidence.
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May Immaculate Mother and St. Joseph protect them, and may Blessed Luigi Maria Monti inspire us always to see Christ in those entrusted to our care.
The CFIC Children’s Mission extends its warmest thanks to the Diocese of Columbus and its devoted faithful. Through your extraordinary generosity, hope is blossoming every day. May God abundantly bless your kindness!
United in prayer and love, Your beloved children at St. Joseph Nivas in Jesus Christ. Thank you.