Congregation of Jesus Mary Joseph

Arrival and Missionary Call

01 Feb 2026 - 08 Feb 2026

The arrival of Dr. Mary Glowrey at St. Joseph’s Convent, Guntur, on 12 February 1920 marked a decisive moment in the history of the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ) in India. Deeply moved by the chapel inscription “Magister Adest et Vocat Te” (“The Master is here and calls you”), she recognized it as a confirmation of her missionary vocation and lifelong commitment to serve the poor.

Medical Mission and Religious Commitment: Embracing the hardships of missionary life far from her native Australia, Dr. Mary Glowrey immediately began serving at St. Joseph’s dispensary, treating nearly 150 patients daily. She learned Telugu and Dutch to better communicate with the people and chose religious life over promising medical careers. On 27 May 1920, she joined the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph, dedicating her medical skills and her life to the service of the marginalized, especially women and children.

Origin and Spirituality of the Society of JMJ: The Society of Jesus Mary Joseph was founded in the Netherlands in 1822 by Rev. Fr. Mathias Wolff SJ during a time of Catholic repression following the French Revolution. Established primarily to provide Catholic education for girls, the Society was rooted in Ignatian spirituality, emphasizing trust in Divine Providence, simplicity of life, discernment, and service for the greater glory of God. The Papal approval in 1855 enabled its expansion beyond Europe to Indonesia and India.

Establishment of the JMJ Mission in Guntur: The JMJ mission in Guntur began in 1904 with the arrival of seven Dutch sisters under the guidance of Msgr. John Aelen. They founded St. Joseph’s Convent, starting with a school, an orphanage, and a small dispensary. Serving all people regardless of caste or religion, the sisters earned the trust of the local community and laid the foundation for education and healthcare in the region.

Growth of Healthcare and Apostolic Service: The dispensary soon became a center of hope, caring for the sick, the blind, the crippled, and those with serious illnesses. Local women assisted the sisters as “Handmaids,” contributing to the growth of indigenous religious life. Within this context, Dr. Mary Glowrey’s arrival greatly strengthened medical services, combining professional expertise with deep compassion and respect for every human person.

Conclusion

The mission of the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph in Guntur, enriched by the life and service of Ven. Mary Glowrey, stands as a powerful witness to faith in action. Through education, healthcare, and apostolic availability, Ven. Mary Glowrey and the JMJ sisters embodied Gospel values of compassion, service, and obedience to God’s will, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the Church and society.