Mangalore : Stella Maris Orphanage is managed by the sisters of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation. This congregation was started in Mangalore in 1870 with the objective of empowering women through Education. At a time when there were no educational opportunities for women’s education in the west coast of India, the sisters of Apostolic Carmel ventured into this field said Sr P F Martha, headmistress of Stella Maris Higher Primary School.
Speaking at the press meet held at St Ann’s College Conference Hall on April 12, Tuesday said that over one hundred and forty years, their educational Institutions have spread all over India and outside rendering all round formation to children ranging from  Primary to post graduate level irrespective of caste and creed.
Sr Agatha Mary, superior general said that the 41 children who are the inmates of Stella Maris Orphanage hail from Bidar District. They are also the students of Stella Maris Primary School managed by the sisters. these children were getting ready with great excitement to return to their homes for vacation. Their tickets were bought paying Rs 25,000 by VRL bus which was to leave for Bidar on April 8, 2011 at 2:30 pm.  The warden brought them to PVS circle at 1 pm.  Later some miscreants entered the bus and questioned the children with the threatening tone and the children gave no answer as they were shocked beyond words. When the bus arrived, the children got into the bus, some people claiming to be Bajarang Dal members to get into the bus into the bus with cameras ad more threats blocking the exit.
On 9th of April 2011 at 5:30 pm., the chairperson of the CWC visited the Orphanage with her committee and going through the registers and other school records was satisfied. Thereafter she issued an order that he children could be sent home at 7 pm. The institution suffered a financial loss of Rs 25,000 and had once again to purchase tickets for the children to be taken to Bidar safely.
Sr Linette AC, provincial superior, Apostolic Carmel, Karnataka Province, St Ann’s Convent, Denis D’Silva, Naveen D’ Souza and Mariamma Thomas were present.