- 20 January, 2026
Sivagangai, Jan 20, 2026: Addressing over 200 youth from various parishes, Bishop Anandam of Sivagangai described Christianity as a vast movement founded on human values that proclaims equality for all. He highlighted the significant role Christianity has played in uplifting the community to a higher standard of living while speaking at the Youth Pongal Festival held in the diocese. In his presence, the youth took a collective pledge, reciting both the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement's (TCYM) oath and the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
Insights on Faith and Social Progress
Recalling Pope Francis’ words that youth are the “now” of the Church, the Bishop urged young people to focus on their present preparation for the future of both the Church and society. He also paid tribute to the five missionaries, including St. John de Britto (Arulanandar), who laboured for Christianity to take root in Sivagangai, noting that priests from this land have spread the faith across India.
Explaining social progress through five hierarchical levels, the Bishop said the community, once largely composed of daily-wage labourers at level five, progressed through faith and education to become teachers and government staff at level four, and later high-ranking officials at level three. He noted that some have now reached the level of entrepreneurs at level two, while a few have entered the political sphere at level one. He emphasised that Christianity played a vital role in creating upward mobility for a community once oppressed by caste, enabling progress through education, employment, and healthcare. While caste-based prejudices may still linger in minds due to societal influence, he said Christianity is fundamentally a casteless movement rooted in equality, adding that history shows those who attempted to destroy these values have themselves vanished.
A Call to Action for Youth
The Bishop cautioned that distancing oneself from Christianity would mean losing a global fellowship and the principles of equality it upholds. He expressed concern that the social awareness, dreams of progress, and spirit of activism seen in earlier decades have declined, observing that some youth now look for leaders only on cinema screens.
He encouraged the youth to avoid what he termed a foreign obsession and instead use their intellect and hard work for the development of their homeland. He also urged them to preserve their language by continuing to converse in Tamil wherever they live for employment. Additionally, he recommended two books by K. P. Aravaanan—Tamizhartham Marupakkam and Tamizhar Meedu Nadaipetra Panbaattu Padaiyeduppu—as essential reading.
Testimonials and Participation
Mr. Abishek Raja, former Representative of the Sivagangai Youth Movement, shared how the TCYM provided him opportunities at the state and national levels, shaping social values such as political clarity and gender equality. He urged the youth to establish the movement in every parish.
Speaking on the current religious challenges in Tamil Nadu and the need for unity, the importance of collective strength was highlighted by the Regional Director of TCYM, Fr. Kuma Edison, who called for weekly meetings to be conducted in all parishes.
Distinguished clergy in attendance included Vicar General Fr. Arul Joseph, Procurator Fr. Aron, Chancellor Fr. Dellus, Director of the Vianney Pastoral Centre Fr. Sebastian, Superintendent of Schools Fr. Christuraj, and Media Commission Secretary Fr. Edward. The event also included the distribution of awards to the outgoing executive committee and a warm welcome to the newly elected representatives.
By Abhishek Raja
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
