History of the Congregation

On 12 May 1807, Anne Marie pronounced her vows with her sisters and companions, founding the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. The path was strewn with opposition, hardship, and relentless trials, yet she remained unwavering in fidelity to the Divine Call.

Summoned to overseas missions, Anne Marie became the first white woman to set foot on African soil, traversing dense forests in search of souls to be saved and wounds to be healed. Until advanced age, she stood ready to cross oceans to educate, form, and uplift peoples neglected by colonial powers. She lived to witness her Congregation established on all five continents. Today, she lives on—because her daughters continue the mission entrusted to her by the Lord.

Guiding you on your Life
Journey

Children's Parliament

The Children’s Parliament is a participatory forum where children learn leadership and self-governance by functioning like a democratic parliament

Youth Parliament

The world's ailments will not be healed by complaint but by courage. It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Woment Empowerment Programmes

Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are powerful engines of empowerment, advancing financial inclusion, economic independence, and social leadership.

Our Calling

Leading People Toward Hope, Faith and Future

Cluny Social Service Centre

Cluny Social Service Centre (CSSC)—Our Lady of the Poor Charitable Trust, Anbu Illam, Nattamangalam, Salem—serves as the Social Action Sector and coordinating body for all social ministries of the Province of Cluny, South Central India.

Anbu Illam

Anbu Illam, literally meaning “Abode of Love,” is a registered charitable Trust under the patronage of Our Lady of the Poor.

Recent Events

Discover Upcoming Events

19 March - 7.00 am

A Celebration of Community

Salem

24 November - 7.00 am

Thankfulness and Giving

Chennai

24 November - 7.00 am

Thankfulness and Giving

Chennai

24 November - 7.00 am

Thankfulness and Giving

Chennai

Testimonials

Miss. Periyanayaki

I am grateful to Cluny Social Service Centre for providing me with the sewing machine as it is very helpful in improving my family's financial situation. I am able to help my brother with his expenses for his studies and look after my father as well.

Mrs. Lakshmi

I am a recipient of assistance from Cluny Social service to buy a cow with a calf. I am able to sustain my family with the income and it has given me confidence to stand on my own with dignity and respect in the society. I am ever grateful to Sr. Ephrem for the help.

Mrs. Maari

My life is completely changed when I received assistance from Sr. Ephrem to buy two goats. I look after them very well. My children love them and look after the goats on their holidays. This is a timely help and will help my family to live with dignity and not depended on anyone for financial assistance anymore.