Madras Social Service Society (MSSS)  is an official social organ of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore and it has served for about 50 years in various sectors for the emancipation of marginalized and underprivileged people through several people-centered programmes. Its operational area covered the civil districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram and after the erection of Chengalpattu Diocese, the Kancheepuram district is vested with CRDS.

The month of March 2019 is a moment of joy for MSSS and its stakeholders as they all come together to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of MSSS. The celebration with 3000 women Self Help Group members representing 2800 SHGs was held on 7^th  March 2019 at Kamarajar Arangam, Teynampet, Chennai.

1100 Children and youth came together on 9^th  March 2019 at Avadi to celebrate the commitment of MSSS and acknowledge its contribution through child and youth development programmes. It was a moment to share their joy and exhibit talents through cultural events.

26^th March 2019 was the grand finale of the celebrations that was presided over by the President of MSSS Most. Rev. George Antonisamy, the Archbishop of Madras- Mylapore. The former Presidents and Directors of MSSS were honoured. In his Presidential address, the Archbishop said: “It is a day to be celebrated as the day of thanksgiving, enjoying the success, appreciating the contributors and envisioning a meaningful commitment”.

During its initial stage of formation, MSSS concentrated much on the relief and charitable works. Emergency relief, construction and deepening of open wells for drinking water and irrigation, land reclamation, installation of bore wells, low-cost house construction, infrastructure development like laying roads, construction of overhead tanks, mother and child health care, etc., preceded the individual and co-operative economic development programmes. The success led MSSS to keep abreast with changing development scenario by way of making the people at the centre of empowerment through the process of animation. The milestones of achievement were well documented and its presentation on the 26^th March, had the participants experience the growth of the organisation.

Fr.Patrick I Joseph, Director of MSSS meticulously organised the events. He captured the present scenario. He said that today, the mission of MSSS is categorised into five areas. Vetri Maiyam aims to meet the educational needs of the underprivileged children in Chennai and Thiruvallur Districts through supplementary school programme. Vizhithezhu Maiyam caters to the needs of the youth through conducting various programmes like job fair, skill training,etc.,  Nalvazhvu Maiyam aims to secure the health and wellbeing of the people in the society by conducting health awareness programmes and  camps, linking with health institutions, promoting good food culture etc., Oli Maiyam aims at the empowerment  in the society through women’s collectives whereas Viduthalai Maiyam exclusively focuses on formation of men groups who will function as volunteer groups to support disaster risk reduction.

The Director of Caritas India, Fr.Paul Moonjely was honoured by MSSS President. In his felicitation address, Fr.Paul  acknowledged the pioneering works of MSSS starting from Food for Work, Income Generation Programmes, SHG formation, Linkages with Government line departments, LIC programmes, and Disaster Risk Reduction programmes. “We are witness to innumerable development models created by MSSS and Caritas India will be with you in the paradigm of empowerment and culture of encounter,” Fr.Paul said. The documentation system of MSSS was well appreciated by him.

The Archbishop Emeritus Most.Rev. Chinnappa, Bishops Most.Rev.Neethinathan and Most.Rev.Lawrence Pius during their felicitation cum blessing said that the tireless efforts of MSSS have ensured a truly human and Christian spirit among the community members whereas they have begun to respect the dignity of individuals. “You have opened up new vistas of collaboration to bring prosperity with equity and brighter prospects for all” they said. “It is time that MSSS leaves the hands off the people and accompanies them to make them journey together independently and as partners.

While addressing the women on the 7^th March, Dr.John Arokiaraj, Caritas India Manager said that as a collaborative effort, MSSS has brought together youth, women, entrepreneurs, academicians, development professionals, universities and Government and NGOs for skill building towards employability and empowerment. “As Caritas representative, I have the privilege of journeying with you for two and a half decades and am able to analyse the trajectory of your growth.

Caritas India needs your collaboration, appreciates you, and confidently depends on you, in your specialized area of service to the poor. We congratulate you and renew our commitment to work with MSSS to advance all our shared values in the empowerment of poor and marginalised” he said.

The 26^th March celebration also saw the State level Lenten Campaign of Caritas India in the presence of Madras Archbishop, Bishops of Chengalpattu and Dharmapuri, Vicar Generals of Madras Archdiocese, Directors of Caritas India, TASOSS and MSSS. It was continued with the signature campaign wherein all the participants actively showed their solidarity.