The Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement celebrated its 50th Golden Jubilee at Karumandapam, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India, on May 26.
The event commemorated five decades of faith, dedication, and youth empowerment, bringing together leaders and community members to honor the past and inspire the future.
The Golden Jubilee celebration was a distinguished event marked by reflections on the past and visionary insights for the future.
Esteemed clergy, community leaders, and young members shared poignant memories and impactful stories, emphasizing the organization's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
The celebration began with a solemn Mass, led by Bishop George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, and joined by Bishop Nazarene Susai, Bishop Yvon Ambrose, Bishop Neethinathan Anthonisamy, and Father Martin Joseph, Secretary of the TNBC Youth Commission.
Bishop Nazarene Susai highlighted the Tamil Nadu Catholic Commission's mission over the past 50 years to form young Catholics in moral life, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel in society.
Father Robert Simon (SDB), former Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Youth Commission, urged attendees to follow Moses as a role model, emphasizing leadership, equality, and unity in diversity. He stressed the importance of justice, honor, and truthfulness in today’s society.
Mrs. Christy Subathra, Principal of CREA Matriculation School, reflected on how the Young Catholic Students (YCS) movement fostered academic growth and social awareness, providing a platform for students to improve their lifestyles.
Akilan, President of the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement, praised the tireless efforts of young people in bringing the movement to the church, highlighting its role in developing leadership and awareness among the youth.
Abishek Raja, an Executive Committee member, expressed his gratitude for being part of the Golden Jubilee working committee. He explained how the movement strengthened his sense of social responsibility and how the bishops' presence had furthered this.
The event showcased a short film titled "Thadam Pathitha Pathai" (Untraceable), detailing the history of the Tamil Nadu Youth Commission from 1971 to 2018.
This was followed by honoring former secretaries and young organizers, led by Bishop Arokiaraj Savarimuthu of Thiruchirapalli Diocese.
Cultural folk dances and awareness songs depicted Indian traditions, adding vibrancy to the celebration. The "Nambikai Thuthuvar" (Ambassador of Faith) Award was presented to 50 outstanding members of the Tamil Nadu Youth Movement and the Young Catholic Students' Movement
Bishop Nazarene Susai expressed gratitude to Father Martin for his six years of service as Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Youth Commission and welcomed Father Ku Ma Edision as his successor.
Over 600 participants from 18 dioceses attended the Golden Jubilee celebration, marking a significant milestone in the movement's history.
The Golden Jubilee was not just a moment of reflection but a call to action, inspiring attendees to continue the legacy of leadership and service.
As the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement looks forward to the next 50 years, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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