Social Contributions Of Christian Missionaries

Abstract

The Christian missionaries stamped their mark in the evolution of upliftment of society. In the process of social development, the Christian Missionaries played a vital role. In the early period of the fifteenth century the Portuguese put forth much effort to bring about mass conversions. Following them numerous missionaries both Roman Catholic and Protestants made sustained efforts to win over Tamils to their Christian faith. They used education and medical care as the means for developing their contacts with the people. “Love your God; Love your neighbor”, was their guiding principle. Education and health care were their main concern.

      They supported people during famine and epidemic. The Madurai Gazetteer reveals that a severe famine took place in the years 1832, 1833 and 1836. From 1822 to 1838 nearly 40 percent of the population was lost by epidemic disease, especially cholera. During the year 1857, 1858 and 1866 the famine prevailed in Melur, Dindigul and Thirumangalam, Madurai and some other parts of Ramanathapuram district.

      The American Madura Mission rendered significant service at this crucial moment. In July 1849 Doctor Shelton came to Madurai and stayed there for about six years. Only three children died of cholera. Seeing the zeal of the missionaries, the civil surgeons of the government were encouraged for providing services to the disadvantaged, distressed or vulnerable persons or groups. Social workers served the needs of children and families, the poor or homeless, immigrants, the mentally ill, and the handicapped, victims of rape or domestic violence, and persons dependent on alcohol or drugs. The Christian missionaries in this district understood the basic problems of the converts and tried to alleviate them in a proper way. And in their efforts, they had to encounter a number of challenges to respond to the needs of the time. Their response to cater to this challenge gave birth to what is called Social Apostolate. The social apostolate of the Jesuits of the new Madurai Mission.