Sr.Alphonsa Gonzalvas, Sr.Helena Pinto and Sr.Sabina kurian were the pioneering volunteers who arrived at PopeJohn’s Garden, Mahavaram, on June 19, 1971. They were invited to take over the reins of the administration of the colony for leprosy patients. They started the heroic servie under the valuable guidance of Rev.Fr.Schlooz, S.D.B., director of the Beatitudes Social Service Welfare Rehabilitation training Centre, Vyasarpadi, Madras (Chennai). This unit of Don Bosco Beatitudes is managed and supervised by the sisters of St.Charles Borromeo. The inmates are involved in cultivation, there are one thousand coconut trees that fetch income for the maintenance of the colony. Paddy, groundnuts and vegetables are cultivated according to the season. There are many mango trees, several jackfruit and guava trees which are income generating. Cattle rearing, breeding of pigs and poultry-keeping has also contributed to the income for the upkeep of the inmates. Weaving and spinning section is a very vital department. The inmates are involved in spinning thread, making dhotis, towels, bandages and gauze for the dressing of the patients. Making mats is another busy section. They are made from a special variety of grass. There is a carpentry section, tailoring section, making shoes, rope making and candle making. On June 6, 1973, Sr. Paula took charge of the colony, she acquired another four and a half acres of land on the eastern side of the colny, a new well was dug. A small chapel was built here and dedicated to St.Anthony. this area yielded plenty of vegetables, fruits and flowers. It was a feast to the eyes, eco-spirituality was advocated more in reality than in words.