Seva Nilayam

In 1994, Rt. Rev. Marampodi Joji, the Bishop of Khammam, Andhra Pradesh, invited the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes to establish a mission in the parish of Peddakorukondi. In response, the Provincial Government of Mysore delegated a team of sisters to conduct a study of the area. Based on their findings, the province decided to open a community in this region. On June 11th, 1995, Sr. Assunta Alvaries, the Provincial of Mysore Province, accompanied the pioneer sisters—Sr. Juliana D’Souza (Superior), Sr. Lilly D’Souza, and Sr. Carmel D’Silva—to Peddakorukondi. The sisters were entrusted with the mission of providing pastoral care, medical assistance, and social welfare services to the local people.

The sisters’ initial experience in the mission was both enriching and challenging. They lived in a single-room rented house, which served as their dormitory, prayer room, community room, consultation area for outpatients, and labor room for delivery cases. Despite these humble conditions, the sisters were joyfully committed to their work. The house became a welcoming space, especially for women and children who came to share their joys and sorrows in a homely atmosphere.

Upon settling down, the community formulated its objectives: involvement in parish activities, social apostolate, and an emphasis on self-help groups, particularly focused on women and children.

The people of Peddakorukondi and its surrounding 28 villages face significant socio-economic challenges. This area has been declared a socio-economically backward region within Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh. The local population includes tribal groups like Koyas and Lumbadies, as well as Dalits (Malas and Madigas). Strong caste beliefs hinder social unity and development. The people mostly work as daily wage laborers and agricultural workers, with a few wealthier high-caste families living in the villages.

Paddy, millet, and lentils are the primary food crops, while chilly and cotton are the main cash crops in this area, which is known as “The Rice Bowl of India.” Many of the poor live in mud huts with thatched roofs, and illiteracy is rampant, with the literacy rate in Andhra Pradesh being only 25.6%, and just 1.8% of rural women being educated.

Living conditions are dire, with inadequate sanitation and open defecation contaminating water sources, particularly during the rainy season. Due to poor nutrition and sanitation, communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV are prevalent. Health care services are severely lacking, with the nearest good hospital located 61 kilometers away in Khammam. Many people still rely on magic and superstition for healing.

In light of these conditions, Bishop Joji invited the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes to establish a health center on 8 acres of land in 1994 to improve the situation.