275 Lay Evangelizers Installed and Commissioned In Southern Indian Diocese

The Diocese of Thanjavur in southern India installed and commissioned 275 lay evangelizers during a special Mass at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, an international Marian shrine in Tamil Nadu, on October 3.

The newly commissioned lay evangelizers represented about 25 parishes across the diocese.

Bishop T. Sagayaraj of Thanjavur presided over the Mass, which was concelebrated by more than 30 priests, including Fr. C. Irudayaraj, rector of the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, Fr. J. Augustine, parish priest of the shrine basilica, shrine priests, vicar foranes of the diocese, and other parish priests.

In his homily, Bishop Sagayaraj highlighted three key aspects of the mission entrusted to the new evangelizers: proclaiming God’s love, witnessing that God is present among his people, and making the Gospel visible through their lives.

“God is loving. God is with you. God is always with you,” the bishop said, identifying this as the central message the evangelizers should proclaim to the people they encounter.

Referring to the Gospel message of Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us,” Bishop Sagayaraj said the evangelizers should help people recognize that God is not distant or inaccessible but remains present with them.

The bishop also stressed that evangelization cannot depend only on words. A Christian life lived faithfully can itself become a proclamation of the Gospel.

“If you live as a good Christian, the Gospel will be proclaimed,” he said, urging the new evangelizers to remain faithful to Christ despite challenges and difficulties.

Bishop Sagayaraj further called on them to help build Christian communities marked by love, faith, justice and care for others. He pointed to the early Christian community as an example of how believers who lived their faith visibly could inspire others to follow Christ.

The lay evangelizers underwent a year of formation, with classes conducted on 15 Sundays covering various aspects of evangelization and Christian faith. The program was organized by the Diocese of Thanjavur’s Commission for Liturgy and Catechesis under Fr. A. Paulraj.

Formation was provided by the Sacred Heart Brothers, who initiated the lay evangelization movement in Tamil Nadu, as well as lay evangelizers from the neighboring Diocese of Sivagangai.

Following the homily, the names of all 275 lay evangelizers were called. They came forward and responded to questions from the bishop, expressing their willingness to dedicate themselves to the mission. They were asked whether they were ready to surrender themselves to the mission, face its challenges, dedicate their time, resources and energy, and undertake the work not out of compulsion but for the glory of God.

A short Litany of the Saints was sung, invoking God’s protection and grace upon the new evangelizers. One representative then read the declaration of dedication to lay evangelization, which was repeated by the entire group.

As a sign of their commitment, Bishop Sagayaraj presented each lay evangelizer with a cross and a rosary.

Thanjavur is the second diocese in Tamil Nadu, after Sivagangai, to train lay evangelizers. According to Fr. A. Paulraj whose office oversees the apostolate, the diocese plans to recruit and train new members annually, with the aim of building a strong lay movement for a synodal church.

The commissioning gives the Diocese of Thanjavur a larger body of trained lay faithful to support the Church’s mission in its parishes. Their presence is expected to strengthen the sharing of the Gospel beyond the clergy and religious, while encouraging lay Catholics to take a more active role in the faith life and mission of their local communities.