Arputha Lilly Antony
The (Un)Told Mission History of The Sisters of the Society of Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ) in India: An Historical Study of Missionary Generations Shifting between Dutch Legacy and Indian Inculturation (1904-1969)
My doctoral research focuses on the mission history of the JMJ sisters in India. I explore the lived experiences of Dutch and Australian missionaries who arrived in 1904 and 1920, the native women who joined them as ammagarulu, and the shift from Dutch leadership to Indian inculturation by the 1960s. Using archival research, textual analysis, and oral history, I aim to give voice to these women and highlight their identities, struggles, and contributions.
Why this topic matters to me
This work matters to me because it seeks to uncover the often-overlooked everyday struggles of European women missionaries who served in the culturally rich and complex context of colonial and post-colonial India. By situating their experiences during the two World Wars and the broader socio-political transitions of the time, I aim to examine how gender, culture, and religion intersected in their missionary vocation. Furthermore, I explore how the ecclesial shifts brought about by Vatican II impacted their identity, agency, and modes of religious life. These women’s voices, which are preserved in letters, reports, and oral histories, remain largely underexplored in mission historiography. By engaging with these sources, I hope to recover their narratives and analyze how their experiences contribute to contemporary understandings of religious life, particularly for women. This research is not only relevant for the JMJ congregation but also offers broader insights into the evolving identity, challenges, and resilience of women in global Catholic missions.
Why I believe it is important to society
This work is important to society because it recovers the legacy of women religious whose spiritual depth, charism, and service have deeply shaped both Church and society. Their often-overlooked contributions in education, healthcare, and social outreach reflect a form of faith-based leadership that continues to inspire. By preserving their stories, we not only honor their impact but also highlight the enduring relevance of their witness for today’s world, especially in conversations around gender, spirituality, and social transformation.
Impact of the Ladies of Bethany Chair on my life and career
I am deeply grateful for the support I received from the Ladies of Bethany Chair during my two-year Research Master’s program and am very happy to remain connected with it. Beyond the financial assistance, being part of a community of scholars with shared interests and goals has greatly nourished my own research. Although my direct participation in Chair-organized events has been limited, each encounter has enriched my perspective and contributed meaningfully to the development of my work. Most significantly, the Chair’s motto, 'passing the torch on,' has become a guiding principle in my own research on the mission history of the JMJ sisters in India. It reminds me that preserving and transmitting the legacy of women religious is not only an academic task but also a vocational responsibility.
The difference I hope my work will make in the world
I hope my work first brings about a transformation within myself, deepening my understanding and commitment to the mission. From there, I hope it inspires change within the JMJ sisters and, through them, the broader communities they serve. My research affirms the undeniable truth of the vital role of women in the Church and in society. By uncovering the lived experiences of women religious as a form of "lived theology," often unrecorded in formal theological discourse, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive understanding of theology and service. In this way, my work becomes a small but meaningful contribution to humanity, giving voice to those whose lives have been a silent yet profound witness of faith.
Publications