The Young Catholic Students/Young Students’ Movement (YCS/YSM), a key arm of the Youth Commission under the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC), held its Regional General Body Meeting on June 22, 2025, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
The day began with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Nazarene Soosai, chairman of the Youth Commission. This was followed by the flag hoisting ceremony, led by State President John Rex and Vice President Silambarasi, with the YCS/YSM anthem sung by Treasurer Adams. Secretary Lourdu Mary read the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.
The first session opened with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by the presentation of the six-month activity and financial reports and updates from diocesan movements.
In the second session, a short film titled “Kayal,” produced by the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement, was screened. It emphasized the need for youth solidarity with abandoned widows. Sr. Jesu Packiam then shared her learnings from the “Pedagogy for Youth Ministry” program and outlined her follow-up initiatives for strengthening youth movements.
The third session featured the screening of “Thulir” (meaning Sprout), a short film focusing on support for women impacted by patriarchal violence. Fr. Edison, Youth Commission Secretary, delivered a keynote on “The Relevance and Functioning of the YCS/YSM.” He emphasized the social legacy of Joseph-Léon Cardinal Cardijn, founder of the movement, and encouraged youth to adopt his model of engagement.
Participants then engaged in group discussions on establishing and sustaining YCS/YSM units in parishes and schools, and on implementing the Cardijn methodology. These sessions followed a participative and sociocratic approach.
In the concluding session, Bishop Nazarene addressed the gathering, recalling the movement’s former strength of over 100,000 active members. He urged students to observe societal injustices, question their roots, and take meaningful action inspired by Gospel values.
The meeting ended with the adoption of group resolutions and a spirited singing of the YCS/YSM anthem. Participants expressed great joy at Bishop Nazarene’s full-day presence and active engagement throughout the assembly.
With inputs from Abishek Raja A
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