The JMJSSSS belongs to the Sisters of Roman Catholic Minority Religious society, known as, the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ) with its head quarters, Mangalagiri. It is a Non Profitable, Charitable voluntary organization, Registered Society under Societies Act. Ever since the Society started in India in the year 1904, social work also began. As JMJ Society is identified with social apostolate right from the inception of the Society, it carries on a number of activities in different parts of India in collaboration with the government and non-governmental organizations.
The Charism “Ever adaptable Apostolic availability, bequeathed to the JMJ Society by it’s Founder, Fr. Mathias Wolff, S.J., opened new vistas to launch out to the social apostolate as the signs of the times. Needless to say that when one traces the initial stages of the apostolate it is very different from what it is today. However, one aspect is clear, the target group is always the poor, needy, oppressed, and voiceless, the marginalized Social activities aim at liberation from bondage of sin and evil, unjust structures, exploitation and atrocities. Simultaneously it creates awareness among the rich and the socially well placed, of their responsibility to share and reach out to those in need.
Social apostolate on par with the traditional apostolate has its standing as Education and Health care.
The JMJ Social Service Society was recognized as a department. And got its official status with the setup of the office at Nallapadu, Guntur in 1982. It was registered under AP Registration Act of 1860 in 1984. The Pioneer members were Sr.Bertilia, Sr. Henricia, Sr. Bhagyamma and Sr. Cecily, and few other Sisters and the then provincial council as Ex officio. The members selected were sisters who were involved and actively participated in developmental programmes.
The activities continued with its ups and downs till 1994 and this was a begging of a new era taking a sure footing through full involvement and collaboration with “Bala Vikasa” a like agency. With the exposure and experience gathered, an office set up was envisaged in 1998.
Presently JMJ SSS covers a rang of 150 villages following self-help approach through a variety of educational, economic, cultural and socially related programmes. The programmes include a variety of educational programmes ranging from environmental improvements to economic, social, political, cultural development with continuous training built into all the phases.
“GO TO THE PEOPLE, LIVE WITH THEM, LEARN FROM THEM, LOVE THEM, AND START WITH WHAT THEY KNOW, AND BUILD WITH WHAT THEY HAVE; BUT WITH THE BEST LEADERS, WHEN THE WORK IS DONE, ACCOMPLISHED, THE PEOPLE WILL SAY: WE HAVE DONE THESE OURSELVES”.
- Lao Tsu, China, 700 BC
Visualize a just society where in all can live in peace, joy, happiness, equality and brotherhood Where by the kingdom of God can prevail in all fulfilling the words of Louis Eveley The glory is of God man fully alive.
Empowerment of the marginalized people of society, especially the Financially backward women, children through a process of awareness, organizational and collective action exclusively for raising the social, political, economic, cultural and health status as well as promotion of environment
To work towards a society with common brotherhood.