Welfare Activities of St Annes Congregation to Empower Rural Women in Theni District 1858 2015 AD

Abstract

In 1858, St.Anne s Congregation was established for the welfare of Women, especially young widows. On those times, the prevalence of Cholera and child marriage led to increase in the population of young helpless deserted widows. At the same time, the Fathers of Jesuit were also under the impression of starting a Congregation for women welfare. Thus, a group of widows started St.Anne s Congregation and started working for the social and economical benefits for women and the needy. As they lacked adequate religious and moral training. They were trained under the sisters of lady of Rapatrice from France. In 1977, this group established itself as a congregation of nine members under the leadership of Annamma. Though, it started its journey in Trichirapalli, it soon spread far and wide, extending its social, religious, medical and educational services all over the world. It chose and worked for the welfare of the downtrodden, economically and socially suppressed communities in Theni district and gave them all the essentials to lead a respectable life in the society. newline