The success story of White Doves founder's escape from near death

• Death ran away through the prayers of the children of God

Mangaluru: The doctors gave up hope stating it was not possible for her to live… but, as if a question to the medical world, she fell into a coma for 8 days and then returned back victorious over cancer… Death which was undeterred by the strength of the medicine was burnt away through the prayers of the children of God! This is the success story of Corrine Rasquinha who faced cancer, was victorious over death and as the founding member of White Doves institution, has been providing a life to destitute and orphans since the last 25 years. She is fulfilling the aim of providing a HiFi shelter for those through whose prayers she received a rebirth and to empower them.

In 2010, along with being a cancer patient, Corrine was also affected by Hepatitis B condition and reached the doors of death. The doctors as well as her family watched helplessly as she fell into a coma. But, after being in coma for 8 days, when she regained conscious against all odds, everyone were shocked. Currently, since 10 years she is living an active life. If asked on how this was possible, Corrine replies, “It is because of the continuous prayers of over 600 children of God and because of my will to live.”

Who are these children of God?

Since the last 25 years, Corrine has dedicated her life for the destitute and helpless. She has been providing free food, shelter and medical facility for women and men at a house donated by donors in Matadakini and jail road respectively. Close to 600 people have be rehabilitated and presently, more that 150 inmates are there at the shelter. Now, a permanent residence has been constructed for tem at Maroli and they will be transferred there on Feb 17^th. Since the last 3 years, 41 destitute and orphans have been sheltered at a house in Kulashekar donated by retired teacher Irene Karkada. Without any promotion, she has been providing food to differentially-abled, destitute and the helpless lying in front of the railway stations and the Town Hall. Corrine who is considered to be a loving “Mother” by the helpless are identified by her as the children of God.

Vinay from Belagavi, who was mentally ill and left his home and became a destitute, is now normal at the institution.

“It’s been 2 years since I came here. Through “Mother’s” assistance I have become healthy. Her love and care cannot be found anywhere else,” he says.

Corrine Rasquinha married businessman Vitus Rasquinha in 1989. Even after 5 years of marriage, the couple was not blessed with a child. After attempting all types of treatments and failing to have children, the doctors informed that they would never have children. But instead of shrinking, Corrine chose to serve the children of God. Initially by providing food for the poor near Wenlock and Lady Goshen hospital, she eventually gave food to the helpless lying on the roadsides. Later, through the assistance from donors, she started providing shelter and medical treatment. As if a fruit of her service, she was blessed with a daughter Gina Rasquinha in 1994 thereby doubling the happiness of the household.

Doctors who provide free service

Of the destitute at the shelter by Corrine, almost 80% of them are through the information from police. There are many here who suffer from various diseases. A few doctors from the city are providing free service to them. Presently, the ‘White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home’ constructed at Maroli at the cost of Rs 8 crore has an areas of 43,000 sq ft and also includes physiotherapy, various treatments, exercise, entertainment and many other facilities. The house has been constructed with the money provided by donors, relatives and through White Doves singing group in which Corrine herself is a singer.

Inauguration on 17^th

The ‘White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home’ with 200 beds for the nursing of the mentally ill and the shelter for destitute at Maroli will be inaugurated on Feb 17^th. The inauguration by donor Leslie Fernandes, Emeritus Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’souza will conduct the blessing. District in-charge minister U T Khader, First District and Sessions Court Judge Kadluru Satyanarayana Acharya and other guests will participate in the programme.

Feeling of fulfillment

“Already more than 600 people have received free shelter, medicine and food service here. A few have completed post graduation, got employed in a variety of jobs and made a life for themselves. A few females have been married. Those who have left their homes for various reasons have been provided with treatment and have been sent back to their homes after getting their address. Then the happiness felt by the reuniting family fosters a feeling of fulfillment,” explains Corinne Rasquinha, White Doves Founder