About St. Mary's Mercy Home
What We Are
St. Mary's Mercy Home is a genuine, nurturing sanctuary for girls who have lost one or both parents, or those from families facing such extreme poverty that they would otherwise be living on the streets. While historically referred to as an orphanage, today we proudly call our supportive environment St. Mary's Mercy Home.
Our Administration
This Home is diligently run by The Servite Sisters, a Religious Congregation of Nuns. They are organically affiliated with the ancient worldwide Religious Order, SERVI DI MARIA, established over 800 years ago, which encompasses both Servite Friars and Servite Sisters. True to their name, the Servites' core mission is to serve humanity, mirroring the selfless devotion of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The Servite Sisters began their work in India in the 19th century and extended their presence to Kyauktan, Myanmar, in 1924. St. Mary's Mercy Home is a cornerstone of their service in this region.
Our Location: Kyauktan, Myanmar
Kyauktan, meaning "a line of rock" in Burmese, is a picturesque town near the southern tip of mainland Myanmar, approximately 12 miles from the sea and 18 miles south of Yangon. It's a notable tourist spot, famed for its unique pagoda situated in the middle of a river.
Accessing Kyauktan involves traveling by bus or private car from Yangon, crossing a 2-mile bridge to Thanlyin (formerly Syriam), and continuing along a scenic road that winds through the Bago Yoma Mountain range.
Finding St. Mary's Mercy Home in Kyauktan
Upon entering Kyauktan, you'll spot a "WELCOME TO KYAUKTAN" arch. Slow down here and look for the "ST. MARY’S" signboard on your right, about 300 yards past the arch. Enter through this gate, and you'll arrive at the St. Mary’s Campus, with St. Mary's Mercy Home nestled in one of its corners.
Our Impact at a Glance
120+
Girls Sheltered Annually
Providing a safe and loving environment for diverse ethnic backgrounds.
800+
Years of Servite Legacy
Built on a foundation of selfless service and compassion.
30
Convents Across Myanmar
Wide-reaching network to identify and assist children in need.
Our Girls: Shelter, Care, and Future
Who We Shelter
We lovingly accept girls who are orphans (both parents lost), semi-orphans (one parent lost), or those whose parents face such dire poverty that their children would otherwise be forced to live on the streets. Our commitment includes providing shelter, nutritious food, essential clothing, and access to quality education in government schools.
As the Home is managed by the Servite Sisters, we exclusively accept girls. While boys were historically accepted, the challenges in managing their discipline as they grew and finding suitable placements led to our current focus on girls for the past three decades.
How Girls Join Our Home
The Servite Sisters operate 30 convents nationwide in Myanmar. Disadvantaged children often reach out to the nearest Servite Sisters' Convent for help. Each request is meticulously evaluated by the Sister Superior and her community to ensure genuine need. The final decision rests with the Servite Provincial for Myanmar (currently Sister Salette Mary OSM), who carefully reviews each application.
Age of Acceptance & Care Duration
Girls are typically accepted from age 6, aligning with school entry age in Myanmar. However, exceptions are made for older girls who may have faced sudden parental loss, such as a girl accepted around age 9-10 after her parents were incarcerated. Exceptional circumstances, like siblings of current residents or those impacted by natural disasters, may also lead to earlier acceptance.
We provide care until they complete high school, usually between 16 and 20 years old. For those who excel academically, the Sisters extend support for university studies. East Yangon University is nearby, and a Servite convent provides housing and care for these students until they graduate, empowering them for independent lives.
Success Stories & Skill Development
Our ultimate goal is to equip girls for self-reliance and successful lives. Many alumni thrive as nurses, teachers, office staff, and more, some even returning to volunteer. For those not pursuing higher education, we offer technical skills training in sewing, knitting, embroidery, computer literacy, and English, preparing them for local employment.
Our Legacy and Your Support
A Legacy of Dedication: Fr. Singa Rayar
On April 27, 2010, St. Mary's Mercy Home suffered a profound loss with the sudden passing of our visionary founder and great patron, Fr. Singa Rayar. He dedicated immense effort, truly his "sweat and blood," to meticulously establish a systematic, standardized, and well-founded institution. His departure left us like "sheep without a shepherd," and we continue to mourn his significant loss.
We firmly believe his spirit continues to guide us. Inspired by his encouraging words and commitment to his famous saying, "God helps those who help themselves," we are committed to upholding his wonderful legacy and fulfilling his dreams. We extend our deepest gratitude for your continuous support, appreciation, and encouragement on this journey.
Managing Our Costs: Faith & Hard Work
Caring for over 120 children in challenging times requires both unwavering faith and diligent effort. A remarkable story from years ago exemplifies this: with no rice for the next day's meal, the Sisters prayed to St. Joseph. The next morning, a Buddhist gentleman arrived with 40 kg of rice, prompted by a dream of women in white robes. This powerful event underscored divine providence and the necessity of self-reliance.
The Sisters tirelessly work to secure all necessities—food, clothing, medicines, school supplies, and more. Recognizing the importance of private tuition in Myanmar for academic success, they provide coaching themselves and hire reputable teachers, knowing it's a vital component of the girls' education.
"God helps those who help themselves."
Our Self-Support Projects: Building Sustainability
Agricultural Cultivation
Utilizing St. Mary's Campus land to grow diverse vegetables and fruits, ensuring fresh produce for the Home's kitchen.
Livestock Breeding
Running projects like chicken rearing, fish farming, and goat and pig breeding to generate partial income for operational costs.
Vocational Training
Providing practical training to aspiring nuns and involving girls in projects to learn valuable life skills and contribute to the Home.
The Sisters' day begins around 4 AM, preparing meals and 120 lunch boxes for girls who walk two miles to school. After school, children work in the garden, living by the motto: "the more vegetables you grow, the more vegetables you will consume." This relentless hard work, combined with generous donations, sustains our mission.
Make a Difference Today!
Your invaluable support directly impacts the lives and futures of these deserving girls. Join our mission!