Bishop Sagayaraj of Thanjavur took charge as the chairman of the Regional Laity Commission in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on August 12.
He succeeds Archbishop Emeritus Antony Pappusamy of Madurai, who served as chairman for the past seven years.
Participating in the welcome-cum-farewell ceremony held at the Tamil Nadu Laity Formation Centre in Trichy, the new chairman, Bishop Sagayaraj, stressed the importance of collaboration, saying: “Let us learn together. The laity must be formed not only in faith but also in every aspect of life. The Laity Formation Centre must plan and work toward this mission.”
In his farewell message, Archbishop Pappusamy recalled the construction of new facilities at the Formation Centre and the training programs that have strengthened the laity, affirming: “Without the laity, there is no Church.”
The gathering brought together secretaries from all diocesan lay commissions across the state.
Fr. Maria Michael, the Commission’s Secretary, welcomed participants, presented mementos to both leaders, and assured that under the guidance of the new chairman, all diocesan secretaries will work together for the continued formation and empowerment of the laity.
The Tamil Nadu Laity Commission, the official organ of the Tamil Nadu Bishops Conference (TNBC), has been a vital force in empowering laymen and women to take an active role in the life and mission of the Church.
Established in January 1990, during the Silver Jubilee of Vatican II, and registered as the Laity Commission Trust, Tamil Nadu, under the Indian Trust Act of 1882, the Commission has consistently promoted lay leadership at every level of the Church.
With representation from all 18 Catholic dioceses of Tamil Nadu, the Commission provides trainings, workshops, seminars, symposiums, and correspondence courses on theology and Church teachings. Its vision is to form committed disciples and authentic witnesses of Christ, while its mission focuses on empowering the laity for a vibrant Church and a just society.
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.
Latest News
