Matru Schaya Social Welfare Society is a voluntary non-profitable Organization engaged in Social & Health Development programs. MSSWS is functioning under the wing of Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod in France. It is registered in the year 1975 under Mumbai Public Trust Act of 1950 and Society's Registration Act XXI of 1860.

The Organization has been working towards integral development of the people of the target area since 3 decades. The Provincial of Amravati Province is the President cum Chief Trustee of the Society. The Secretary of the society is the chief Executive and the Governing Body consist of seven members who meet at regular intervals to discuss, plan and evaluate the various activities and programs of the society. The developmental activities of the organization are being operated from the office of Matru Schaya Society at Bhandaraj under the direct supervision of the Executive Director.

Matru Schaya Social Welfare Society (MSSWS) works with all sections of the society through the local communities irrespective of caste, creed, and gender and with special focus towards holistic development of the poor and the marginalized.

The Organization focused on the need based holistic human and participatory approach in its planning and implementation from the onset of its inception. MSSWS made a paradigm shift in its strategy and activities since 1990. The organization gives priority to Community health, social animation, awareness creation and formation of people's organization – men, women, and youth to bring about integrated development of the poor and the vulnerable sections of the society.

Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod Province of Amravati
Celebrating 125 years of our presence in Amravati
Mahila Melava “NARI TU JAGAT KI ASHA”

We the Sisters of the Cross of Amravati Province involved in Social Work Ministry gratefully remembered the arrival of our pioneer Sisters in Amravati 125 years ago. To mark this auspicious occasion we organized the Mahila Mellava to thank God for our Services to the poor and the needy and to implore His blessings on our future endeavors.

In the Bible it is written that a grain of mustard seed fell in the ground and became a big mustard tree and the birds of the air took shelter in it. This has become a reality today as we look back to our pioneer Sisters --- Veronica Pollein and 5 other companions who left their home land, withstood the rough sea and crossed the frontiers and sowed the seed of love and compassion in our Indian Soil at Amravati a 125 years ago and today it has spread far and wide. We take pride in our sisters and Salute them with gratitude. Million thanks to our beloved sister Veronica Pollien and companions! Their very lives that sacrificed for the cause of the poor, their selfless service, their dedication inspire us today to commit ourselves to take up challenging work among the poor and the marginalized even though at times very difficult and unrewarding. Even today their life history is encouraging for each one of us saying “You are the hope of the World, You are powerful, and you can change the world

Remembering our valiant sisters arrival in Amravati on 25th Sept. 1886, 125 years ago , we had organized two days of Mahila Melava on 26th & 27th September 2011 in Amravati, the cradle of our origin here in India after France. Women from various states --of - Maharashtra, M.P, C.G, and Delhi but interior villages where our sisters are working came together for the celebration and made it a colorful and memorable event .The inaugural function was colored with cultural program where Sister Mary Pinto, the Councilor was the chief guest and we were privileged to have the police commissioner Mr. Amitesh Kumar, Superintend of Police Mr. Jai Kumar , Amravati Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Cyriac, Fr. Jolly Diocesan Director of Social work, Razia Sultana Journalist as guests of honor.

The Guests were received with kukum and arti. Sr. Anushia, the Social work Coordinator introduced and welcomed the guests with saplings of beautiful show plants. The guests were asked to light the lamp to mark the presence of God among us. Sr. Mary Pinto, Frs. Cyriac and Jolly garland the photos of Fr. Peter Mermier, Mother Claudine Echernier who are the founders of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross and Sister Veronica Pollien our first Indian Superior. Sisters Cecilia and companions implored God’s blessing through prayer and the English Medium students performed a beautiful Prayer dance. Sister Rosaline Rodrigues the councilor and link person gave the inaugural address and spoke of the spirit and commitment of our pioneer sisters in venturing into the unknown land and for being attentive the needy in times of difficulties and problems, in Sickness and hunger. She highlighted the commendable work done by our Sisters during drought in the year 1892. She informed the house about the various developmental programs undertaken by each centre and in each state towards the sustainable development of the poor especially the children, youth and women.

After the lunch Sr. Rosaline conducted the session on women’s empowerment- Woman A Hope of tomorrow where she highlighted the strengths of women and the importance of Self Help Groups (SHGs). She further enlightened them with the help of a game “Snake and Ladder” and the women enjoyed as well as understood in depths how they can win and lose in life and still be the hope of tomorrow in their families and society. . They were divided into 10 groups and were given questions on role and responsibilities of women, to discuss and present the report .It was an opportunity for them to express their views. After the supper the participants along with the sisters danced in groups to their hearts’ content till late night.

On 27th morning Mrs. Seema More Master Trainer of BRGF addressed the group on Role of Women in development Sector through Panchayati raj and how women can participate in the development sector. Later women representatives from each area were invited to share the impact in their lives by coming in contact with the sisters. It was very heart soothing to hear from them how they are able to stand before the public to speak, learnt to save money, started income generating programs, realized self worth, gained confidence, status in the society and many more. One Pardhi handicapped Lady from Amravati came forward and told the assembly that before she could come in the group she was a rag picker in the chawls of Amravati, but after joining the group now she has started her own business and lives a decent life. We were happy to have two Lady Sarpanchs from Lakhanpur & Amravati . In between the sharing there were dances and songs by various groups. This was the time to show their talents and the women came forward willingly and presented the program.

Closing Ceremony was unique; we honored our Sisters who worked in the developmental field for the past 20- 25 years. They spent their life time with the people walking and serving them in different interior villages and have done their best to change and touched the lives of the people of different sectors and tribes. The Sisters were honored with a Shawl and the coconut. The young generation appreciated their hard work and deep commitment for the poor. They said like the mothers who help the children to walk, these sisters held our hands and guided us to be what we are today. The Social work team sisters sung the theme song “ Nari TU JAGATH KI ASHA”, composed by them and the representatives of each center placed lamps on the map of India. Finally the sisters prayed the Jubilee prayer. Sister Anushia the coordinator of Social work commission thanked Sister Elizabeth Miranda our Provincial for her encouragement, guidance and financial support. We felt strongly her absence and really missed her among us. She thanked each and every one for making this event a successful one. Sr. Lily declared the me lava closed.