HAPC’s Founding Patron Dies, aged 89

It is with great sadness that the Charity reports the passing of HELP A POOR CHILD’s Founding Patron, Mother Colombiere.  She went peacefully in her sleep yesterday, 4th April, a few months before her 90th birthday.

HAPC’s Founder, Derrick Pereira, met Mother Colombiere at St. Anne’s High School, Mumbai in March 1980 and, following the launch of HELP A POOR CHILD, she took control of many life changing HAPC projects for the benefit of the poor children.  This continued through the 80s and early 90s, until she was posted to Lebanon and then Australia.

June 1990, Mother Colombiere at Brent Town Hall, London, raising awareness of India’s poverty.

It had been 15 years since Derrick last had the opportunity to visit Mother Colombiere until his trip to India in March.  It was Derrick’s first trip to India since 2013 and, on the way back to the UK, he stopped off in Pune where Mother Colombiere was staying in a Home for retired nuns.

Mother Colombiere was sick and in bed when Derrick arrived at the Home but she got up and they enjoyed chatting for 30 minutes longer than was permitted by the sister/nurse in charge.

17th March 2017 – a moment to treasure – Derrick Pereira visits Mother Colombiere in Pune, India, a few days before she died.  Right – Hemangi Joglekar, St Annes ex-student, who kindly helped make arrangements for Derrick to visit Mother Colombiere – a meeting which proved to be the last between the Charity’s founders.

Derrick reported that Mother Colombiere was full of praise for the achievements of HAPC, particularly the Colombiere school project.  The fact that the Charity had given the school her name, gave her enormous pleasure and much joy!  She kept repeating, “I pray every day for HELP A POOR CHILD”.  It’s our turn now to pray for the soul of a truly inspirational and wonderful woman.  May she rest in peace.

HAPC President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Flavio Gracias, described Mother Colombiere as a formidable individual to have spurred HAPC all those years ago and her passing away came as devastating news to the Charity.  Mother Colombiere’s name will live on through the charity’s flagship project – the school in Gambia, which is named after her.  Flavio said that the school is a lasting and fitting legacy for an inspirational person, deeply involved with children.

Mother Colombiere at the heart of HAPC’s projects throughout the 80’s and early 90’s