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PASTORAL ACTIVITIES OF

VARIOUS COMMISSIONS, CENTRES AND ASSOCIATIONS

2017-18

Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC) and Tamil Nadu Latin Bishops’ Council (TNLBC)

CONTENTSPRESIDENT SPEAKS....................................................................................................31.COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS.........................................................42. COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION (TANCEAN).............................................................63. COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE AND ECUMENISM.....................................................74. LEGAL CELL............................................................................................................95. KRITHAVAR VAZHVURIMAI IYAKKAM (KVI)............................................................116. COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT (TASOSS).......................127. COMMISSION FOR SC/ST.......................................................................................148. COMMISSION FOR BC/MBC/DNC...........................................................................169. PRISON MINISTRY.................................................................................................1710. COMMISSION FOR HEALTH CARE........................................................................1911. COMMISSION FOR LABOUR.................................................................................2012. COMMISSION FOR BIBLE.....................................................................................2113. COMMISSION FOR CATECHETICS........................................................................2314. TAMIL LITERATURE SOCIETY (TLS):.....................................................................2415. COMMISSION FOR LITURGY................................................................................2516. TAMIL NADU BIBLICAL, CATECHETICAL AND LITURGICAL CENTRE (TNBCLC)......2717.NAM VAZHVU.......................................................................................................2918. MADHA TV..........................................................................................................3019. COMMISSION FOR BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITY (BEC) - ANPIAM.....................3220. COMMISSION FOR LAITY.....................................................................................3421. COMMISSION FOR FAMILY...................................................................................3622. LAITY COUNCIL...................................................................................................3823. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN.................................................................................4024. COMMISSION FOR EVANGELIZATION, DIALOGUE AND CHARISMATIC RENEWAL.4125. EMMAUS SPIRITUALITY CENTRE..........................................................................4326. COMMISSION FOR YOUTH...................................................................................4527. COMMISSION FOR VOCATION, SEMINARIES, CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS................4628. CONFERENCE OF DIOCESAN PRIESTS OF INDIA (CDPI, TN-PY)............................4829. TAMIL NADU-PONDICHERRY PASTORAL COUNCIL (TPPC)...................................4930. TAMIL NADU- PONDICHERRY CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS OF INDIA (TNPCRI).............50

PRESIDENT SPEAKS

Most Rev. Dr. Antony Pappusamy,President, TNBC and TNLBC,

Archbishop of Madurai

1. COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. SingaroyanSecretary: Rev. Fr. David Arockiam

A. SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. Programme for Madha TV : The Commission for Social Communications Society produces every day almost eight hours of programme for Madha TV.

2. Christmas Programmes : All the Diocesan Secretaries were coordinated through the Zonal Coordinators of Madha TV to ensure the equal representation of programmes during the Christmas Season. Almost 3500 faithful were given the opportunity to take part in the television programmes during this season through carol singing and other colourful programmes.

3. Lenten Programmes : All the Zones were given chance to produce Lenten programmes like Way of the Cross, a special programme on the Seven Grave Sins and Easter Special programmes like Dindigul I. Leoni’s pattimandram and Holy Father’s Holy Week Liturgical Celebrations LIVE from Vatican.

4. The World Communications Day was celebrated on 9th July 2017. On 16th March 2017, a meeting of the Diocesan Secretaries was conducted at Santhome Communications Centre for an effective celebration of the World Communications Day. The Regional Centre produced an audiovisual documentation on the Message given by the Holy Father for the World Communication Day. Posters and Liturgical materials were printed and sent to the Diocesan Centres. Songs Competition in view of the World Communication Day were conducted through Madha TV.

5. New Floor for Post-Production : On the third floor of the St. Thomas Building, the Regional Centre has established a new floor for the Post-Production. At present, there are 6 Video Editing suites, 3 Audio Recording suites, 3 Computer Graphics suites, 3 suites for Quality Control, Incest, Internet feeding and Archiving and 2 Administrative Cabins.

6. Radio Veritas – Tamil Service: Rev. Fr. A. Singarayan from the diocese of Salem was helping for the past three years in taking forth the Tamil Service of RVA from St. Paul’s Bible Institute, Poonamallee. Now the Radio Veritas Asia has appointed him as its Programme Director and he serves in the Radio Veritas Asia, Manila. Therefore, from the middle of April 2017, the Santhome Communications Centre has reassumed its traditional Radio Service inside its premises in St. Thomas Building, 150 Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 4.

7. Software for Madhamdhorum Madhavukku : The software for Madhamdhorum Madhavukku has been prepared. This software enables tracking of receipt books, donors, collections made by the Regional Centre. There is a plan to extend the use of this software to every diocese.

8. Standing Instruction Forms : The Standing Instruction forms have been obtained with the support of YES Bank from the RBI. Already 2000 contributors have consented to make regular contribution to this media mission. There is a target of achieving at least 50,000 people before 2020, who can make a regular monthly contribution for this media mission.

B. NEW INITIATIVES FROM THE DIOCESAN COMMISSIONS FOR COMMUNICATIONS

1. Almost all the dioceses are taking active part in the production of programmes for Madha TV.

2. Most of the dioceses organize fine arts training programmes during summer for children and youth.

3. Some of the dioceses have conducted seminar and media training for special groups during this year.

4. The Arch-diocese of Pondicherry conducts communication skills training programme for teachers every second Saturday.

5. The diocese of Kumbakonam is going to produce a tele-serial on the life Fr. Lourdu Xavier and it will be telecast in Madha TV.

6. The diocese of Coimbatore is going to put up a shooting floor for video production and separate office for communication commission and Madha TV activities.

C. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED:

1. There is a need to create a Financial Backup for the continuation of this media mission through Television, Social Network, Mobile Apps and IP platform.

2. A Corpus Fund in Madha Trust has been created and within a year, Rs.41 lakhs has been added in this Corpus Fund. There is a need to encourage the Catholics to contribute generously on the World Communication day for this corpus fund.

3. There is a need to set apart trained priests in the field of media as full-timers for the Communication Commission. Because, besides the works of the communication commission they have a lot of production and promotional activities for Madha TV.

D. PLANS FOR 2017-2018:

1. Shooting Floor : The commission plans to establish a shooting floor with best professional facilities for more quality programmes. It hopes to complete this project by 2018 with the support of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.

2. Extension of Priests Residence and Guest Rooms : With the support of the MEP Society, the commission plans to extend the Priests’ Residence and the number of Guest Rooms to accommodate the staff priests and guest priests in its Regional Centre.

2. COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION (TANCEAN)

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. George AntonysamySecretary: Rev. Fr. S. Arulappan


1. Tamilnadu Region was adjudged first in implementing the Indian National Catholic Education Policy – 2006 by the CBCI Office of Education and Culture, Delhi and Fr.S.Arulappan, the Secretary of the Tamilnadu Catholic Educational Association was honoured.

2. TANCEAN’s reaction/agitation/demonstrations have been known all over India for its best organizational structure, timely reaction to problems and catering to the needs of the Catholic Educational Institutions.

3. The ESI coverage of Educational Institutions was negated in a final order of the Division Bench.

4. The applicability of TET to minority schools was challenged and there were many interim orders to release salary without reference to TET, to those who were appointed after 23.08.2010. On 24.08.2016 the Division Bench of Madras High Court passed the landmark judgement that TET is inapplicable to Minorities.

5. The Hon’ble High Court of Madras by its Order dated 22.12.2016, was pleased to quash the order of cancellation of exemption from TDS, for the clergy and the religious, drawing Government Salary in our Educational Institutions.

6. TANCEAN, many of our institutions, and individual non – teaching staff have challenged the non – approval to the appointment of non – teaching staff in our schools. The Hon’ble High Court of Madras by its order dated 17.03.2017, has allowed all the writ petitions, directing the government to accord approval and release salary, irrespective of any category of the non – teaching posts.

7. School Bus Cases – Relief – Instead of Quarterly FC – Hon’ble High Court passed an order on 17.03.2017 for Half – yearly FC for School Buses.

8. Government’s acceptance to grant recognition to all types the schools through the intercession of TANCEAN.

B. Plans for 2017-2018:

1. Promotion of Tamil Medium Schools: Timely impetus to Tamil Medium Schools.2. Animation prgrammes for Heads of Catholic Institutions, teachers and students.

3. COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE AND ECUMENISM

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence PiusSecretary: Rev. Fr. M. Thangaraj


1. Rally against the New Education Policy: The rally was ecumenical; mainline churches like CSI and Lutherans participated with the Catholics, especially pastors and teachers.

2. Input Sessions for the Diocesan Secretaries: On 24th November 2016, input sessions for the Secretaries of both the commissions were held at Dharmapuri.

3. Recollection Talks: The regional Secretary was encouraged to give recollection talks to the clergy of the dioceses of Vellore and Dharmapuri. There were much interactions, questions as well as clarifications.

4. The Bishop Chairman went for a two days’ meeting organized by UCPI (United Christians Prayer for Unity) at Hyderabad in February 2017. An essay competition on Gandhi and his ways was conducted for High School Children in Dharmapuri diocese.

5. Regional level Seminar and Formation: Regional level Seminar was conducted at SNEHADEEPAM, in Vellore on 24th and 25th April 2017. This had been an initiative to prepare group of volunteers in each diocese in order to be active in the fields of Ecumenism as well as Dialogue.

6. Pastors Maanaadu in Chennai: The regional Secretary took part in the one day Pastors Maanaadu held in Hebron Church, near Valluvarkottam, Nugambaakkam in Chennai on 19th June 2017.

B. PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES FACED:

1. Lack of interest towards the ecumenical efforts in the parishes and in some of the dioceses.

2. Difficulty in approaching the other denomination Churches in the dioceses of Ooty and Pondicherry.

3. Lack of understanding and cooperation among churches in the diocese of Dharmapuri. Difficulty in approaching other religious leaders.

4. Lack of monetary help and lack of participation of people in the diocese of Thanjavur.

5. Non-Cooperation from the people of other religions in the diocese of Kumbakonam.

6. Effort from one sidedness for example Catholics alone or CSI alone in the diocese of Vellore.

7. Lack of coordination among churches in the Archdiocese of Madurai.

C. PLANS FOR 2017-2018:

1. Organising and strengthening the Christian youth (of interdenomination) in Chennai.

2. To form VEF “Vellore Ecumenical Forum” in the diocese of Vellore and to

form an Interreligious Platform to speak for human rights issues.

3. To increase the participants in the ecumenical functions in Thanjavur.

4. To form a group of seven lay people in the diocese of Sivagangai for the ecumenical activities. Based on Laudato Si, there will be an Ecumenical Gathering.

5. Planning to have a periodical fellowship meeting with other churches in Dharmapuri and to conduct Ecumenical bible quiz competitions in schools.

6. To establish a minority platform at the Government level in Puducherry.

7. Formation of peace building groups in schools and coordination among the churches to carry out social activities in Ooty.

8. To visit the leaders of other religions and their houses (Mats) in Kumbakonam.

4. LEGAL CELL

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Antony PappusamySecretary: Rev. Fr. A. Xavier Arulraj

A. REGULAR ARCTIVITIES :

1. Adjudications :

a. In a historic Judgment on 24.08.2016, we succeeded in obtaining exemption from TET qualification, in respect of teachers working in minority schools.

b. In another landmark judgment, dated 22.12.2016, we succeeded in upholding the exemption in respect of TDS on the salary drawn by the Clergy and the Religious, employed in sanctioned posts.

c. In a batch of cases, all the appointments made in the non-teaching posts in our schools, were directed to be approved by the authorities.

d. Recently, an order of cancellation of FCRA certificate to the Diocese of Tuticorin was stayed by the Hon’ble High Court on 29.06.2017.

e. In some hotly contested cases, the Hon’ble High Court upheld the right of the Catholic Dioceses, to transfer their teaching staff within the corporate management.

f. We have effectively defended before the Court, the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the staff in different institutions in some of our dioceses.

g. Some cases pertaining to property disputes, building plan approvals, land acquisition etc. have been effectively defended for various Dioceses and Congregations.

h. Exorbitant increase on water tax by multiples by the local bodies, has been effectively challenged, benefiting many of our institutions.

i. We have rendered maximum assistance for each of our institutions, to obtain reasonable Fee-structure, before the Fee-structure Committee, by personally monitoring the preparation of documents and accounts.

2. Animation was given in St. Paul’s Seminary, Good Shepherd seminary, St. Peter’s seminary, Lumen institute, in the diocese of Chengalpet, Pondicherry

–Cuddalore, CRI, Bon Secours congregation and also in Andhra, Kerala, Orissa and CSI.

3. Legal Consultation : Various Dioceses, Congregations, individuals, institutions and groups have availed legal consultation in respect of RTI queries, Minority Status, Survey and Statistics by Central Government, by accessing the Legal Cell either personally or by other means.

B. SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS :

1. Uniform Civil Code: When the Law Commission of India made an appeal to the public, inviting response to Uniform Civil Code, the Legal Cell had organized a consultation on our stand on 05.04.2016, at St. Paul’s, Tiruchy. There was a significant participation of Canonists, Civil Advocates and leaders of the Church, including eight Bishops, presided over by the President. A memorandum was prepared and submitted to the Law Commission of India and the Central Government, based on the inputs from experts and the said consultation.

2. Alternate Education Policy: When the National Education Policy, 2016 was to be launched by the Central Government, along with TANCEAN, the Legal Cell, organized, many programmes. By constituting a committee of educationists, an Alternative Education Policy was drafted and it was submitted to the Central HRD minister and other officials.

3. Fee – Fixation for Schools: A state –level consultation on the strategy and lawful method of obtaining a reasonable Fee-structure, for unaided institutions in Tamilnadu was conducted and a separate meeting was arranged in respect of Fee Regulation Act, in the Union Territory of Puducherry.

C. PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES FACED :

1. A recent judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court holds that even for filling the post of Principal/Headmaster, the Minority Institutions have to follow a ‘fair procedure, by affording opportunity’ to all the eligible in-service candidates within the Management. This has run into rough-weather, the ease with which we were promoting the young religious members.

2. A recent judgement of the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court has held that after the codification of Canon Law, it has lost the force of a customary law and therefore, will be only a norm or guideline, as against the statutory Indian Succession Act, in respect of the celebrated “Civil Death” concept of the Clergy and the Religious, in respect of claiming ancesteral properties.

5. KRITHAVAR VAZHVURIMAI IYAKKAM (KVI)

Coordinator: Most Rev. Dr. Yvon AmbroiseSecretary: Rev. Fr. James Victor

A. SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES:

1. A training session was organised under the title of communalism in the Government in order to have clear understanding of the communalism of sangh parivar.

2. There was a training session for the leaders of the 16 dioceses. 3. One day training session was conducted for the coordinators and

executive members.4. Another training session was conducted for the coordinators of all the

dioceses and only 6 coordinators attended the meeting.

B. ACTIVITIES IN THE DIOCESES:

1. The coordinator for Chengulpet actively involved in the people’s fight for the right of ownership in Sohandi.2. In the diocese of Tuticorin, the parishioners are kept in touch and KVI actively involves in coordinating the minorities. Classes on communalism were conducted.

3. The coordinator for Salem propagates KVI wherever he goes and he is actively involving in strengthening KVI.


1. In many dioceses, the need for KVI has not yet been realised. The diocesan coordinators have less interest to strengthen KVI. Importance is not given to KVI as it is given to other commissions.2. The problems in the dioceses and the groupism are a big drawback for the functioning of KVI. 3. Some times, protests are made in the name of some other organisations of the Church. Hence it is difficult to involve in some problems.4. There is no understanding that there should be the presence of all categories of the people like priests, religous and lay people in KVI.5. The coordinators and other members of KVI do not participate actively in the training sessions.6. In every diocese, there are lot of other structures and hence it is difficult to strengthen KVI.7. Catholics are members of different political parties and they do not show interest in KVI.8. There is no monitoring committee to control the activities of KVI at the diocesan level.

6. COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT (TASOSS)

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Yvon AmbroiseSecretary: Rev. Fr. S. Albert Thambi Durai

A. SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS :

1. TASOSS is in the process of creating a Emergency Desk at the state level.

2. Skill mapping and staff performance and appraisal was carried out and based on the results and recommendations, Personal Development Plan

(PDP) was evolved at individual level integrated in Detailed Implementation plan of TASOSS and DSSSs.

3. TASOSS technically and qualitatively supported TSSS, Palayamkottai and PMSSS, Pondicherry to revisit their HR policies as part of the Partner Capacity Strengthening activities (PCS).

4. Elections for the District level women federations were conducted in the current reporting period. This was followed by the plan of State level election for the office of the Tamil Nadu Women Federation.

5. TASOSS have trained more than 1000 leaders on the powers and functions of the panchayats raj institution and in the preparation of local body elections.

6. 227 Children parliaments were formed spread across 109 Unions in 19 districts in Tamil Nadu which is coordinated by DSSSs. TASOSS networked and handhold with more than 15 CSOs and trained their staff on child rights and facilitated to form 54 additional children parliaments.

7. Associating in Advocacy and lobby actions related to child rights, reviewing policies related to children and guiding in forming state and national level children parliament.

8. Participatory Action Research (PAR) of enabling social protection of internal migrants in unorganized sector in selected districts of Tamil Nadu, a new project was started.

9. Nearly 15 CBO members have been trained as Livelihood trainers. Nearly 300 CBO members are involved in various trades across the State.

10. Community Enterprise Schooling (CES) manual, Functional Manuals on Children Parliament, BLS Reports of DSSS, PRI Election Procedural Manual were published.

B. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED :

1. State Government’s approach in curbing the organization and individuals who are initiating Rights Based interventions poses a big challenge for TASOSS and its collaborating organizations to take up rights based initiatives.

2. The leaders who were trained on the PRI functions filed their nominations for the local body elections and since the elections were postponed the members were demotivated and they need to wait till the election dates are announced.

C. PLANS FOR 2017-2018 :

1. TASOSS will be taking up a Micro Research on Thematic issues such as Land and Water.

2. TASOSS as the state level forum will be creating a database on key activities and important documents from DSSSs level.

3. TASOSS will be part of the follow-up activities which include thematic trainings by CRS team on PEER (Preparing to Excel in Emergency Response).

4. Follow-up on skill assessment and their Individual Development Plan (IDP) of the DSSSs and TASOSS staff and appraise periodically.

7. COMMISSION FOR SC/ST

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Thomas PaulsamySecretary: Rev. Fr. Albert Nelson

A. REGULAR ACTIVITIES:

1. Formation of Dalit Catholic people cells is going on in the dioceses of Chengalpattu, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Palayamkottai, Dharmapuri, Salem and Sivagangai.

2. The Regional General Body, Regional Executive and Diocesan Monitoring Committee meetings are conducted regularly.

3. Udhayam Training and Placement Centre at Loyola College campus at Chennai facilitated 444 educated Dalit youth for interviews and placed 310 in full time jobs during 2015-16.

4. ‘Black Day’ was observed on 10th August 2016 in all the dioceses in various levels to demand SC status to Dalit Christians.

5. The TNBC-TNPCRI Scholarship fund Rs. 9,76,000 was given to 686 students of 18 dioceses.

6. Forty eight Dalit Catholic women self help groups are formed in Lalgudi area of Trichy District as a sample project by the Regional commission and they are given entrepreneurial training.

7. Skill development programmes for Dalit Catholic School students, their parents, the evening school teachers, career guidance for Dalit Catholic youth and job placements were conducted in all the 18 dioceses of Tamilnadu.

B. SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. “The policy of Dalit Empowerment in the Catholic Church in India” by CBCI was translated from English to Tamil and was released in Loyola Campus Chennai and introduced in Chengalpattu, Vellore, Madurai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Pondicherry, Sivagangai, Dharmapuri, Dindigul and Palayamkottai dioceses.

2. The Regional Executive members of the Commission for SC/ST met the Archbishop of Madurai, Bishop of Tuticorin and the bishop of Dindigul as per “Meeting a bishop every month”.

3. A “Fact finding team” with the five zonal coordinators under the guidance of the Regional Secretary was constituted by the Chairman Bishop in order to furnish him with details about the discriminatory practices and issues.


1. The discrimination of non collection of car fees (Njh; thp) from Dalit Catholics and not permitting the car procession in the streets where Dalits live, continue to be practised in a few dioceses in spite of the High Court’s orders.

2. In some dioceses, the Bishop is unable to enforce strong measures to implement the Gospel values of equality.

3. In some of the Catholic educational institutions, seats are still denied to the Catholics especially to the Dalits.

4. In some of the dioceses, the non-Dalit priests and non-Dalit lay people do not join in the celebrations of the Dalit Liberation Sunday.

C. PLANS FOR 2017-18:

1. Formation and functioning of monitoring committees in 18 dioceses of Tamil Nadu.

2. Formation of Regional Monitoring Committee.

3. To continue to pressurize the Central Government to give SC status to Dalit Christians.

4. To carry out the projects of MISEREOR, Italian Bishops Conference and to get new projects.

8. COMMISSION FOR BC/MBC/DNC

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Mar PaulosSecretary : Fr. V. Arulraj

PLANS FOR 2017-2018:

1. Organising on a regular basis, CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAMMES at the Diocesan levels.

2. Preparing the young students to appear and SUCCEED AT COMPETITIVE EXAMS.

9. PRISON MINISTRY

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Peter RemigiusCoordinator: Rev. Fr. G. J. Anthonysamy

Secretary: Mr. Jesuraja


1. Under the “Diocesan Units Revival Programme” the units of Tanjore, Chengulpet, Trichy, Dindigul were visited by the State team of PMI and were motivated.

2. Meeting with prisoners and identifying mentally ill prisoners to rehabilitate them.

3. Educational assistance to inmates in the Arch diocese of Chennai-Mylapore was given.

4. To give awareness to the public about the prison ministry through media, a TV program was telecast via Jaya Plus and Madha TV on 11 th, 18th, and 25th of August 2017 and it was organized by Tanjore Diocese.

5. Volunteers met the victim families of the inmates in Trichy Central Prison near Killukottai.

6. 13 inmates are doing their degree and more particularly one of them doing PhD.

7. In the Kumbakonam Diocese all the superintendents of the sub Jails were invited and honoured well.

8. Pongal was celebrated in Nagercoil District Prison. Cultural Programme was organized to entertain the inmates.

9. The families of the prisoners were gathered and self help programs were conducted and educational help was given to the children.

10. The talents and skills of the inmates were identified and trained for acting in the street play.

11. ID cards for volunteers were issued with the consultation of various departments and signatures of various superintendents.

12. Most Rev Dr George Anthonysamy, in consultation with his team has given a place for rehabilitation centre for the former prisoners at K G Kandigai in Tirutani Taluk. Fr Gerard who is the founder of SDM congregation was willing to give us a priest for the rehabilitation center. He also sent his brothers to prepare the place and now the place is ready having the name, “ Kolbe Home.” PMI Chennai Unit has generously given Rs 5 lakh for this rehabilitation center for maintenance.

13. PMI Tamil Nadu was invited by BPRD (Bureau of Police Research and Development) in Delhi to talk about the reintegration of the Prisoners.. On 29th September, , Mr. A Jesu Raja the Secretary of PMI TN presented the topic on, “ the Reintegration of the prisoners” to all the state heads of the Prisons.

14. Prison Ministry India Tamil Nadu is well appreciated for its mission not only in Tamil Nadu but also in other states.

15. Novena to Maximilian Kolbe was celebrated to make known to the public the patron of prison ministry.

B. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED:

1. Suicidal attempt of prisoners and their family members: there is a lot of need for the volunteers to counsel the new inmates and their family members and giving them hope for their future.

2. Lack of commitment and training among the volunteers to deal with the mentally depressed inmates.

3. Frequent changes of the Jail Superintendents affect our ministry because the new superintendents do not easily accept and understand our ministry.

4. Unable to visit some prisons because the local superintendents do not give permission.

5. In some dioceses the coordinators do not come out creatively in this ministry and they are not encouraged either by the diocese.


1. Strengthening the diocesan units.

2. Release of prisoners of petty crimes by paying Rs. 5000/- for about one hundred cases.

3. Taking up the mentally ill prisoners and working for their good health and release.

4. Prison ministry Sunday to be organized in all the dioceses and to get the necessary contributions for the ministry.

5. Rehabilitation center for men in Madras Mylapore diocese to cater to the needs of the released prisoners.

6. Special effort to be taken for the release of aged prisoners of 65 and above.

10. COMMISSION FOR HEALTH CARE

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Thomas AquinasSecretary: Sr. Clementia FSPM


1. HIV/AIDS awareness classes were conducted in High Schools, Hr. Sec. Schools, and Parishes.

2. Health education on prevention of infections through personal hygiene and environmental hygiene were taught in schools and parishes.

3. Awareness on drug addiction and its ill effects was created by way of seminars and video clips to youth in parishes, schools and colleges.

4. Awareness classes in social media were conducted to the students to instill the knowledge of properly handling the social media.

5. Spiritual motivation was given to students in schools and parishes.

6. Mental health, counseling, decision making, personality development, understanding the elders, goal setting in life, yoga were other topics dealt with to students in schools.


1. Persons who were addicted to alcohol and drugs were sent for treatment to the De-addiction Centre run by Capuchins in Sivagangai diocese. 2. On the World Women’s day, the secretary of the commission spoke on the theme of Natural medicines. 3. Naturopathy Medical Camp was conducted in our office in the month of February and March 2017 and many people who were affected with different sicknesses attended it. 4. In the general body meeting of Catholic Health Association of Tamil Nadu (CHAT), held in Vailankanni, the regional secretary and the diocesan secretaries participated.

C. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED:Due to lack of funds many health related programmes were not implemented.

D. PLANS FOR 2017-2018:

1. To conduct the counselling sessions for the students of 9th to +2 in all the schools of the dioceses. 2. To organize regional level seminars and meetings in order to encourage the diocesan secretaries. 3. To conduct Naturopathy Medical Camps as per the wish of the patients.

4. To collaborate with CHAI and CHAT and carry on the ministry.

11. COMMISSION FOR LABOUR

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. AnandarayarSecretary: Rev. Fr. R. P. Jayakumar

A. REGULAR ACTIVITES :1. Skill trainings in computer, tailoring, woolen knitting, candle making, artificial jewellery making, home-made chocolate making, phenol making and beautician were given. 2. International Women’s Day and Workers’ Day were celebrated. 3. Seminar on legal rights of unorganized workers was conducted. 4. Training in small scale business and spoken English was given. 5. Income generation programme for domestic workers was conducted. 6. Insurance programme and tuition centres for school going children were organized. 7. Self employment training programme and Entrepreneurship training programme and micro enterprise development programme were conducted.


1. Two days’ seminar was organised by CBCI&WIF.

2. Two day’s seminar was organized by CBCI Office For Labour and Tamilnadu Regional Labour Commission.

C. NEW INTIATIVES FROM THE DIOCESES :

1. Efforts were taken to mitigate the problem of Child labour in collaboration with Childline foundation of India.

2. Formation of farmers’ union and distribution of Ulzavar Card for the farmers through the support of the State Government.

3. Registration of unorganized workers into different units.

4. Eye Donation program was organized and 360 people came forward to donate their eyes.

D. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED:Availing Government Schemes and Benefits for the Unorganised Workers.

E. PLANS FOR 2017-2018 :1. Training programmes for the Diocesan Secretaries, Religious, NGOs, and other likeminded people.2. Awareness Programmes on Government welfare schemes and insurance programmmes.

3. Facilitation centres for Migrant Data Management programme.

12. COMMISSION FOR BIBLE

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. M. Devadass AmbroseSecretary: Rev. Fr. A. John Baptist


1. The secretary of the commission conducted or participated in the following events: Seminars – 14; special meetings – 8; retreats – 2; Bible classes in major seminaries, formation houses and university – 11.

2. The month of September is celebrated as Bible month, the last week as Bible Week and the last Sunday as Bible Sunday. To help the parishes and the institutions to have meaningful celebrations, the Commission for Bible prepared posters and the materials for Liturgy on the theme: “Nature and Word of God” (,aw;ifAk; ,iwthh;j;ijAk;) and sent to all the parishes. The Thozhan issue of September 2016 was also prepared by the commission.

3. Vocational Bible School (VBS) is another yearly feature of the Tamilnadu Church. The Commission prepared the lessons for teachers and students, Dramas, Songs and Life of the Saint (St. Francis of Assisi) and distributed to the dioceses. This year a DVD “VBS Vanthachu 2017” has been prepared with the collaboration of DBICA (Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts, Chennai).

This year too, the commission has organized two training seminars for the teachers of VBS: one at De Nobili Pastoral Centre, Madurai for the dioceses of Southern Tamilnadu and another at TNBCLC, Tindivanam, for the dioceses of Northern Tamilnadu. Some 160 teachers and religious sisters participated and benefited. This year’s theme for VBS was “IyarkaiNeya VBS-2017”.

4. This year the commission has worked on the Bible for the senior citizens. The secretary translated the Misericordia et Misera in Tamil and published in Thodarum IrayIrakkam (Continuing Mercy). He also wrote a book on Arulvakku Vasippu (Lectio Divina). He has published many articles in the vernacular and in English and got published in the regional and national magazines.

5. The Bible Correspondence Course (BCC) was also continued this year with added members. At present there are 158 students in this course.The course is offered both in English and Tamil. 20 students have completed the course and received the certificates.

6. The website of the Commission (www.tnbcbc.org) which was launched last year was completed and given a face lift.


1. Three days’ convention on Mercy and the Biblical Apostolate in Tamilnadu was conducted at Vailankanni. 250 lay people have been trained for Bible related ministries.

2. A DVD was produced to help the teachers and students of VBS. Two state level training seminars were conducted for the teachers of VBS.

3. The Family Bible with bigger fonts for the benefits of the senior citizens and children was prepared and is to be launched soon.

C. NEW INITIATIVES AT THE DIOCESAN LEVEL :

1. Bible courses for one or two years are conducted by the qualified resource persons and certificates are issued.

2. VBS is conducted as Bible festival during the summer time.

3. During Bible Sunday, processions are taken in the public places and Bible is being proclaimed to the non-Christians too.

4. Efforts are made to distribute copies of Bible in different forms at the reduced rates or sometimes even freely.

http://www.tnbcbc.org/

5. Bible exhibitions are conducted incorporating the new and innovative technologies.

6. Bible quizzes are conducted at various levels and various forms. Individuals and families participate eagerly, search intensly and learn about the Bible.

7. Bible enthronement in the families is encouraged and the families are taught how to read, pray and live the Bible and its values.

8. Bible seminars and classes are conducted to the College students and school going children (High schools and Higher Secondary schools). Thus the Christian youth are introduced to the Bible.

9. Bible Diary, booklets, phamplets containing bible verses and messages are printed and distributed to the Christians and others. Efforts are made to start Bible Reading rooms and Bible libraries in the parishes.

10. Making use of the Digital world, efforts are made to make use of the Madha TV, existing Bible related websites (Arulvakku.com, tnbcbc.org etc.), Whatsapp groups, Antroid Apps to spread the daily readings, reflections and prayer intentions.

D. PLANS FOR 2017-18:

1. Biblical formation of the laity: To give further formation to 250 lay people, who were already given formation, for three days gathering them at Poondi under the theme of “Biblical Understanding of Family”.

2. Summer Bible Academy (SBA) : Bible classes will be resumed. It will be three year program giving foundations to all the books of Bible. A fixed deposit will be created to continue it every year.

3. Sales of Bible in the secular book stalls : To get the Pocket Bibles from TNBCLC at the reduced rate and sell them to the secular book stalls at a cheaper rate. This will be also a form of direct evangelization.

13. COMMISSION FOR CATECHETICS

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Antony DevottaSecretary: Rev. Fr. George Chinnappan


1. Annual Catechetical Commission meeting was held on 20.6.2017 and 18 diocesan secretaries and some other special invitees totaling 51 people participated.

2. Seminars were conducted for catechism teachers, volunteers for Sunday catechism and the religious and in 34 programmes 2,883 people participated.

3. This Commission collaborated with other Commissions like Family, Bible, Liturgy and Social Communications and Anpiam.


1. The revision of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 std Tamil Medium Books and 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 std of English Medium Books before the reprinting was done.

2. The revision of 1, 2, 3, 8 level books before reprinting, basing on the ecumenical translation of the Bible with attractive cover page was done.

3. The diocese of Tuticorin prepared a manual for the Sacrament of Baptism. This Year we revised the Book Mtpapd; jhprdk;.

4. To help the catechism teachers as a teaching aid we have published again the books kiwfy;tp Xh; mwpKfk;> ek;gpf;if tpOJfs;> jpUkiwr;Rtb> Mtpapd; jhprdk;.

5. Moral Science Text books from 1st to XII std were prepared.

6. The work on the revision of the book for the preparation for the first Communion is continuing.

7. The Annual Meeting of the CCBI Commission for Catechetics was held on the 11 – 15, September 2016, at Bophal. In this, the Chairman Bishop, the Regional Secretary and 14 diocesan Secretaries took an active participation.

8. The Commission helped in preparing programmes on catechesis for Madha TV.

9. An ongoing formation for the Religious was held on 12th to 16th January 2017. 56 participated.

C. PLAN FOR 2017-18 :

Priority will be given for the revision of Catechism Book. We will be continuing the revision of the book for the First Communion: “cwNt tho;T”.

14. TAMIL LITERATURE SOCIETY (TLS):

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Peter RemigiusDirector: Rev. Fr. V. Victor


1. Three « Tamil Literary Circle” meetings were held; books review and literary debate formed the content of these meetings.

2. To raise funds for the book depot, special efforts were made.


1. Eighteen students studied in Thaninayagam Adikal Institute of Journalism in the academic year 2016-17 and successfully passed the examinations.

2. Thaninayagam Adikal Tamil Aaivu Maiyam conducted a course on Journalism for 5 days in St. Paul’s Seminary for 18 students of philosophy.

3. Five students of journalism were given educational scholarships.

4. The book « mts; ngah; khpah » written by Rev. Fr. T. Alphonse has been reprinted.

5. The book « Teaching Techniques for Teachers » written by Rev. Fr. Lourduraja was published by TLS.

6. A special meeting of euology was conducted in honour of poet Inkulab.

7. This year 7000 books were added to the library and totally there are now 18000 books in the library.

C. PLAN FOR 2017-2018:

1. To organize literary book exhibition for children.

2. To sell the new books in wholesale.

3. To conduct a public meeting on Thirukural.

5. To conduct kaviarangam.

15. COMMISSION FOR LITURGY

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Jude PaulrajSecretary: Rev. Fr. Arputharaj


1. Liturgical seminars, classes and courses were conducted to different groups in the centre and at zonal and vicariate levels.

2. The liturgical books on the sacraments and Missal are being translated.

3. Liturgical articles were written in Thozhan and in other magazines.


1. Recently, the final approval has been received with some observations from Rome for the newly translated Tamil Missal. The printing work will be completed by October 2017.

2. Rev. Fr. Ayres Fernandes, the National Secretary for the Liturgy commission was present in TNBCLC during the Annual Liturgy Commission Meeting, held on the 19th June, 2017 as a resource person and delivered a talk on “Directives for the Celebration of the Liturgy.

3. Talks on Liturgy, titled ‘topghL tho;thfpl’, are telecasted through Madha TV on every Friday at 09.00 p.m. Now explanations on the New Tamil Missal will be carried out.


Liturgical rules are not properly followed with regard to the liturgy of the Word.

D. NEW INITIATIVES FROM THE DIOCESES:

1. Liturgical formation for the laity, untrained catechists, animators of Anbiams, youth and village catechists.

2. Holy Childhood Association Convention and seminar for the altar boys.

3. Encouraging the villagers for the meaningful participation in the Sunday celebration.

4. Liturgical training for the lectors and the choir members.

5. Diocesan liturgy commission takes the responsibility to arrange for all the diocesan common liturgical functions.

E. PLANS FOR 2017-18

1. Introducing the New Missal with a Pastoral Guide Book to various groups like Priests, Sisters and Laity etc. and producing a CD consisting of Mass tune for the new texts;

2. Preparing the liturgical calendar for 2017-2018 and distributing to the diocesan secretaries;

3. Preparing a model copy of Priestly Ordination commentary and distributing it to the diocesan secretaries as well as to the secretaries of the bishops.

4. Producing some liturgical books:

5. Liturgy and Family Spirituality with the cooperation of Family Commission; b. A preparatory book for the Sacrament of Baptism; c. A Guide book for the Masses with Children ; d. A Guide book for the Lectors ; e. Holy week guide book ; f. Holy week singing book.

6. Preparing a ritual book in one volume for all the sacraments separately for bishops and priests;

7. Translating the two ritual books: Marriage and Confirmation.

8. Preparing a Liturgical Encyclopedia (jpUtopghl;Lf; fsQ;rpak;) in Tamil.

16. TAMIL NADU BIBLICAL, CATECHETICAL AND LITURGICAL CENTRE (TNBCLC)

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Antony AnandarayarDirector: Rev. Fr. M. Philomindas


1. The Centre owns copy right to print the Tamil Bible, Catechism books in Tamil and English to be used in the Schools up to Std. XII and Sunday Catechism up to Std. VIII. Besides, it also prints other books. It also prints Ordinary Bible, NT Pocket Size, Tamil Catechism books, English Catechism books, VBS DVD, VBS other Materials, jpUkiwr;Rtb> jpUtopghL 500 Nfs;tp gjpy;> tpisahl;L ehlf top kiwf;fy;tp> Mtpapd; jhprdk>; kiwf;fy;tp RUf;fk;> njhlUk; ,iw ,uf;fk;.

2. Nineteen meetings were conducted in the centre. A team of Bishops had their meetings for the translation of the New Missal; annual meetings of the TN Commissions for Bible, Catechetics and Litrugy were conducted; besides, seminars, meetings of specialists in Bible and Canon Law and retreats were conducted last year.

3. Every year the TN Commission for Bible prepares materials and Aids to be distributed to the parishes in Tamilnadu for meaningful celebration of Bible

Sunday. From the contribution made on such occasion, 50% is sent to the TNBCLC for the Bible Apostolate. In 2016, Rs.5, 45, 228/- was received from 14 dioceses. The highest contribution was made by the diocese of Kottar with an amount of Rs.1,26,728/- ; Rs.1,20,000/- by the diocese of Tuticorin; Rs.55,000/- from the Diocese of Kuzhithurai and Rs.50,000/- from the diocese of Chingleput.


1. Printing of New Testament with Psalms in font size 14 for the use of Senior citizens was proposed in 2016 and the printing work is in progress. We wait for the Title to be decided by the TNBC.

2. A book called “njhlUk; ,iw ,uf;fk;” was released.

3. In the spirit of the seminar conducted in 2016 during the TNBC Meeting on “Laudato Si”, waste land of about one and half acres was brought to use by planting 1000 saplings of Teak wood, 1000 saplings of Savukku and 200 Banana.

4. Thozhan Trust: As decided by the TNBC in 2016, “Thozhan Trust” was formed and registered in August 2016 having Most Rev. A. Anandarayar as its Chairman, Most Rev. Antony Devotta as Vice-chariman, Director of TNBCLC as Secretary cum Treasurer and the TNBCLC Commissions’ Secretaries as Trustees. An amendment was also made on 20 th of June 2017 so as to add the new title of Thozhan as “Nam Thozhan”. Necessary amendments were also made for opening an account in the name of “Thozhan Trust”. Efforts are also made to obtain Certificate of Registration for “Nam Thozhan” from the Registrar of News papers, New Delhi.


1. We have four shops adjacent to Lumen Institute. As we have raised the rent by Rs.7/- per sq.ft last year, two of the tenents did not pay the rent for one year.

2. We find difficult from some of the dioceses for the payment of books and Bible copies bought from the Centre. Delay caused at times even for one year makes it difficult to advance in printing the required books further. It was discussed in the TNBCLC Society Meeting and the Member-bishops suggested me to write to the concerned Bishops over the long delay in the payment. The director will do it shortly after checking the entries during the months from April to July as some of the dues are paid now.

3. Compared to the year 2016, the Bible Sunday Contribution has gone down and so we find it difficult to subsidize the Bible Copies.


1. Printing of Bible and catechism books as required.

2. Printing of the New Tamil Missal in 10,000 copies.

17.NAM VAZHVU

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. George AntonysamySecretary: Rev. Fr. Gnani


1. Every week on Monday the editorial team of Nam Vazhvu gathers to discuss and finalize the theme and the focus of that week of Nam Vazhvu.

2. Special writers are reached out for articles on current matters in the Church and politics.

3. Feature articles, stories, poems, Sunday sermons, etc. are collected from different writers, edited and published.

4. Working with sub-editors, reporters and diocesan in-charge people for the promotion of Nam Vazhvu and for collecting reports, and participating in the secular weeklies’ editors and press club meetings are other works.


1. To commemorate the 40th year of foundation of Nam Vazhvu, a festival under the title “ eP cah;e;jpLtha;” was celebrated on 12th November 2016.

2. A training session for writers was organized on 14-16 January 2017.

3. New books, “The Star and the Cross”, “ePq;fSk; vOj;jhsuhfyhk”;> “jpUr;rig tuyhw;wpy; Jwtw tuyhW”> “ePq;fSk; fnyf;lh; Mfyhk”;> “FLk;gk; ,th;fis ,izf;fl;LNk”> “Fr;R tPL”> “,iw Copah; md;id md;dk;khTk;> jpUr;rp Gdpj md;dhs; rigAk”;> “tFg;G thjk; [dehafj;Jf;fhd ngUk; rthy’;> “kiwr;rhuy;”> “rPluhNthk; rPluhf;FNthk;” were published.

4. fy;tp Ruq;fk; has reached 50000 copies last year.


1. There are 1483 parishes in 18 dioceses in Tamil Nadu. It is aimed to add 10 subscriptions from each parish.

2. At present 11482 copies of Nam Vazhvu are printed. It is aimed to increase the subscriptions to 20000.

18. MADHA TV

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. SingaroyanDirector: Rev. Fr. David Arockiam

A. SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES :

1. Special Programmes and New Programmes : In its constant effort to provide quality programmes, Madha TV concentrated on providing opportunities for special programmes during the festival seasons of Christmas, Lent, Easter and other common celebration days of our Nation. In commemoration of the 4th Birthday of Madha TV, new programmes in Morning Coffee Show, Kadavul Vanakkam namely, Kuralvazhi Iraimozhi, Nerikaatum Aalumaigal and Ido Un Thai have been introduced.

2. Entry into DTH, Digital Cable : Madha TV is now distributed on 3 DTH platforms namely, Tata Sky, Airtel and Videocon. Moreover, after a long and arduous bargain with the demand of the Tamil Catholics in Bangalore now Madha TV is freely distributed through Hathway Digital Box all over the state of Karnataka and through ACT Set Top Box in Bangalore .

3. Madha TV in the International Forum : The Sri Lankan Tamil Catholics living in Canada invited Rev. Fr. David Arockiam, the CEO of Madha TV, to give Lenten talks and retreat in their Tamil parishes in Montreal, Toronto and Mississauga. They watch Madha TV through IP television Set Top boxes, Web LIVE streaming, Android and iPhones Apps.

4. International Liaisons : Rev. Fr. David Arockiam, CEO of Madha TV met Rev. Fr. Thomas Rosica, the CEO of Salt & Light Television and Catholic Media Foundation in Toronto, who also serve as English-language Media Attaché for Vatican. Fr. Thomas Rosica appreciated the media mission of Madha TV and agreed to share English programmes with Madha TV after his trip to India and visit Madha TV.

5. World Signis International Conference in Quebec : The World Signis International Conference took place in Quebec from 19th to 23rd June 2017, in Quebec city, Canada. Rev. Fr. David Arockiam, CEO of Madha TV was invited by the World Signis Council to make a paper presentation on the topic “The Medium is the Marketing: New forms of multi-media marketing, crowd funding and other innovations to support and sustain operations” during the World Signis International Conference.

6. New Transmission and Server Room for Madha TV : New Transmission and Server Room with latest technical and professional facilities have been established in the 3rd Floor of St. Thomas Building, Chennai in the premises of Madha TV office.

7. Nambikkai Marumalarci Vizhla : Madha TV has conducted Spiritual Conventions inTamilnadu:Trichy, Thangachimadam, Sivagangai, Pallawaram, Perumbur, Illayankanni, Egmore ; in Bangalore: Infant Jesus Shrine, Viveknagar, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Alsoor, Thanga Madha Church, KGF, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and in Canada: Montreal, Toronto and Mississauga.

8. Madha TV and Internet Platform : Madha TV is successfully distributed through Smart Phone Apps, Website LIVE Streaming and IP television Set Top Boxes. Some of the important segments are uploaded in the You Tube Madha TV platform to facilitate the viewers. The Madha TV Facebook account has got 1,58,234 Likes, which indicates that a decent number of followers of Madha TV through social network.

9. Madha TV programmes welcomed by Non-Catholics and Non-Christians : The Christians of other Churches andDenominations and good number of non-Christians view and appreciate Madha TV for its socio-religious programmes, quality approach and professional presentation.

10. One lakhs of car stickers of Madha TV have been prepared and will be distributed to spread the Madha TV. B. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED :

1. This media mission has to be safe guarded by a stable financial foundation. Therefore, we have to encourage our faithful to contribute what they can for this media mission.

2. The Tamilnadu Bishops’ Council can take an initiative to convert the World Communication Day celebration as Madha TV Day celebration and encourage the entire Tamilnadu Church to contribute generously to create a strong Corpus Fund for the future of Madha TV media mission.

C. NEW INITIATIVES :

1. With the new facilities of shooting floor and new post-production units in the Regional Communications Centre, we have planned to introduce new set of programmes for children and youth.

2. We are planning to create professional teams of concept creators in the field of Sacred Scripture, Social Issues, Theology, Canon Law, Catechism, Kids and Youth.

3. We have planned to make an extended use the Social Network to distribute Madha TV programmes to the youth and to a wider range of viewers.

19. COMMISSION FOR BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITY (BEC) - ANPIAM

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr.A. AmalrajSecretary: Rev. Fr. Gandhi Savarimuthu


1. General body meeting and meetings of the diocesan secretaries were conducted.

2. Resource material preparation and translation were done.

3. Parish Anpiam Renewal programmes and Immersion and Exposure programmes were held.

4. Anpiam Day, Anpiam Month, Anpiam Agape, Anpiam Christmas celebrations, Anpiam-wise quiz and essay competition, and seminar on Anpiam and family were conducted.

5. Training was given to the religious and deacons on Anpiam.

6. After three years, election for the animators of Anpiam was held at the Parish, Vicariate and Diocesan levels.

7. Various activities of the parishes and the diocesan commissions are coordinated by and routed through Anpiams.


1. Two persons attended in one monthy theological course held at Nagpur from 9 Nov to 9 Dec 2016.

2. Anpiam Report Diary was printed and distributed to all the diocesan secretaries.

3. Anpiam Arangam and debate on anpiam were conducted.

4. Training on servant leadership was given to the animators of Anpiams.

5. Cancer awareness programmes was conducted through anpiams.

6. Anpiam blood club was started.

7. Involvement of the catechists was encouraged.

8. Anpiam intercessory unit was started.

9. Seminar for the religious on anpiam was conducted.

10. Cultural programme on BECs was given.

11. Anpiam month was celebrated in January 2016.

12. Diocesan level anpiam convention was conducted.13. Two persons from Tamil Nadu attended the National seminar for the secretaries of SCCs.

14. Anpiam lenten pilgrimage at diocesan level was conducted.

C. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED :

1. Lack of funds.

2. Traditional village set-up.

3. Caste.

4. Less participation of women in anpiams.

D. NEW INITIATIVES :

1. Publishing short Sundays reflection in Thozhan for conducting anpiams.

2. Telecasting 7 step Gospel sharing Model method over Madha TV.

3. Diocesan service team formation.

4. Pastoral visits of bishops to anpiams.

5. Reprinting 2000 copies of the book “Puiduvazhi Thiruvai” – Anpiams.

6. Writing competition on Pauline letter during Anpiam month January 2017.

20. COMMISSION FOR LAITY

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. NeethinathanSecretary: Rev. Fr. S. Devaraj


1. Training Programme on the Documents of Vatican II : It was conducted in 8 phases. Total number of participants is 41 from 14 dioceses. It provided them a sound knowledge on the new image of the Church, its nature and mission, the roles and responsibilities of laity in the parish communities and society etc.

2. Training for Lay Ministers : This is the fifth batch of lay ministers who took part in the training from August 2016. The total number of trainees is 22. So far they have completed 10 phases of training.

3. Zonal Seminar : A seminar on the theme “gq;Fr; rKfq;fspy; nghJepiyapdhpd; gzpAk; gq;Nfw;Gk;” was conducted in all the five zones. On the whole 356 persons benefitted by the seminar.

4. Correspondence Course on Theology for the Laity : This is the final year of the course. The contact seminar was conducted in six centers after having dispatched the last set of 10 lessons to the participants. The total number of persons who have successfully completed the course is 1828. The certificates have been sent to the respective diocesan secretaries for distribution.

5. Monetary assistance to the Diocesan commissions : This year each diocese was given Rs 10, 000/- for organizing the basic formation programme for the lay faithful.

6. Laity Sunday : This year the Laity Sunday was celebrated on 25th June 2017. “,iwahl;rpg; gzpAk; rhd;W tho;TNk nghJepiyapdhpd; miog;G” was the central theme of the celebration.


Regional Symposium on "jpUmitapd; r%fg; gbg;gpid” : A symposium on the Social Teachings of the Church was conducted to mark the 125 th

anniversary of Rerum Novarum, the first social encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891. Around 190 lay people from all over Tamilnadu took part in the symposium conducted on 26th and 27th January 2017.


1. Diocesan Commissions face an acute problem of inadequate funds for organizing training programmes.

2. The interest has been slowly declining among the laity to attend the Diocesan and Regional programmes. The same people are found in different trainings.

3. An adequate number of lay persons who have attended the trainings and completed the courses conducted at different levels have not been recognized and properly utilized in the parishes. 4. Participatory structures like Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Committee have not been formed in some parishes.

5. Some parish priests do not encourage and allow the laity to exercise their ministries in the parish.

6. In some dioceses the persons who have completed lay ministers training have not yet been installed.

7. The Lay people who are academically well qualified and professionally well placed keep themselves away from the main stream of parish activities and remain indifferent.

C. NEW INITIATIVES FROM THE DIOCESES :

1. Training was organized in 8 Dioceses with the view to forming the participatory structures like Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Committee.

2. Formation programme was conducted for the Parish Pastoral Council members in 6 Dioceses.

3. The Resource Persons’ Team was formed in 3 dioceses. It visits the parishes for conducting training for the lay people.

4. A Special training was given to the leaders of Pious Associations in 4 Dioceses.

5. Seminar on the teachings of Vatican II was conducted in 5 Dioceses, especially for the laity of the rural parishes.

D. PLANS FOR 2017-18 :

1. Leadership training programme will be conducted in 7 phases.

2. Zonal seminar will be organized on the theme “jpUmitapd; r%fg; gbg;gpid: nghJepiyapdUf;F tpLf;Fk; miog;Gk; miw$tYk;”.

3. A renewal Programme (seminar cum Retreat) has been planned for those who have completed the lay ministers training.

4. A training on the theme “ngUfptUk; kjthjr; #oypy; nghJepiyapdhpd; nghWg;Gk; flikAk;”; will be conducted during the summer 2018.

5. This year the regional symposium will be on the theme “jpUj;je;ij gpuhd;rp]pd; ghHitpapy; jpUmit re;jpf;Fk; rthy;fSk; Mw;wNtz;ba gzpfSk;”.

6. The revision of the correspondence course booklets have already begun and the professors have agreed to complete their work and send us the text

by the end of August 2017. Then the committee members for the revision work will gather and finalize the text for printing.

21. COMMISSION FOR FAMILY

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Thomas AquinasSecretary: Rev. Sr. Clementia FSPM


1. The general body meeting was held on 14 June 2016 under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Aquinas.

2. “Training of Trainers” programme on marriage preparation was conducted on 9-11, August 2016 at Cluny Provincial House, Trichy with the help of Fr. Milton, Secretary, CCBI Commission for Family and Bishop Lawrence Pius was a special invitee for this programme; 5 resource persons were invited and the following topics were dealt with: Sacrament of Marriage, Marriage Laws, Sexual Life, How Couples Can Build Intimate Relationship, Economic Planning, Effects of Alcoholic and Drug Addictions, Family Spirituality, Child Bearing-Motherhood-Natural Family Planning and Family Cell.

3. The Governing Body meeting was conducted and the diocesan secretaries of family commission participated.


1. 36th National Conference on Marriage Encounter was conducted at Pastoral centre, Nagpur on 4-6 November 2016; Bishop Lawrence Pius, Chairman, CCBI commission for Family presided over it; 10 couples and 10 priests from Tamil Nadu, secretary of family commission along with staff participated in it.

2. Marriage Encounter Programme was conducted to couples on 24-26 April 2017 and on 30 June to 2 July 2017. On 3rd July 2017 there was a state level conference on marriage encounter.

3. On 14 January 2016 executive body meeting was conducted and it was also a training session on naturopathy which was dealt by Mr. Charles and Catherine Pancy.

4. National Conference for Regional Secretaries, Diocesan Secretaries and Directors was organized by CCBI Family Commission on 29 November to 1st December 2016 at Pastoral centre, Patna.

5. The Commission conducted one day seminars in the dioceses on Family Spirituality and Healthy Family the help of power point presentation.

6. In the diocese of Thanjavur, Christmas was celebrated with the third sex people. 50 third sex people attended the celebration.

7. In the diocese of Ooty, the secretary gave a talk on « the expectations of the people from the parish priests to 112 priests » during monthly recollection.

8. In the diocese of Trichy, the couples of 25 years and 50 years were honoured.9. In the seminar conducted by the Regional commission for women, the secretary of family commission spoke on the role of women in the Church.

10. The office building of the commission for family was repaired with the financial help from the Mother Superior of Presentation Congregation,

11. A guide for couples has been on the process of preparation. C. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED :

1. Due to insufficiency of the funds, it is difficult to organise the meetings and seminars as planned.

2. While organizing meetings and different training programmes at the diocesan and regional level the attendance of the diocesan secretaries and resource persons is not satisfactory.


1. To conduct “Training of Trainers” programme on marriage preparation on 21-23 August 2017.

2. To organize recollections and retreats for couples to strengthen their spirituality.

3. To conduct two training programmes every year for the diocesan secretaries and resource persons.

4. To encourage forming counseling centres in all the dioceses.

5. A guide for couples will be published within six months.

22. LAITY COUNCIL

Patron: Most Rev. Dr. NeethinathanPresident: Mr. Maria Diraviam


1. Laity Council gives suggestions and works in collaboration with the diocesan commissions, councils, pious associations and movements.

2. With the help of Regional Laity Commission it gives training to lay people to work in collaboration with the bishops and diocesan structures.


1. Political awareness is given to lay people in view of the panchayt elections to elect the worthy catholic candidates.

2. Training sessions and motivation programmes are conducted to instil political awareness to the catholics.

3. Laity council identifies the fundamentalists who disturb the Catholic Church for its worship and peace living. It organised a protest meeting in Chengulpet along with KVC. It motivated other dioceses to register their protest in their dioceses.

4. Awareness was given to our Catholic children about Government scholarship schemes and other educational facilities available and how to get them.


1. As there was a delay in amending the by-laws of the laity council, it was difficult to make the people to understand the functions of laity council in the dioceses.

2. In many dioceses Laity Council has not developed well because of the delay in appointing a President for the diocesan laity council by the Local Ordinary and in electing the office bearers as per the by-laws.

3. The subsidy given by the State Government to go to Holy Land is not enough and the Government has to be requested to give more.

D. NEW INITIATIVES FROM THE DIOCESES:

1. People were prepared for the panchayat elections by way of seminars and meetings in the dioceses by the Laity Council in collaboration with the Laity Commission.

2. In the panchayats, unions and corporations where the Catholics are majority, the catholic candidates are encouraged to contest.

E. PLANS FOR 2017-2018:

1. To form the Laity Council in all the dioceses as per the amended by-laws of the laity council.

2. To get the scolarships and other benefits not only from the dioceses, but also from the Government, people will be motivated and the political awareness will be given to them.

23. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. NeethinathanSecretary: Mrs. Angela

A. REGULAR ACTIVITIES:1. Training of Resource persons: 34 participants attended 2 days training conducted 7 times during the year. 2. Zonal Seminar: Zonal level formation Seminar were conducted in 3 zones of Madurai, Chennai and Tiruchy. In total 210 women benefitted by the seminar. 3. Regional Trainings Conducted in the Dioceses/Parishes: Trainings were conducted in 9 parishes each in 12 Dioceses.

4. Basic Formation Trainings at Diocesan level: Third phase of Basic Formation trainings were conducted in 6 parishes each in 11 Dioceses during the year.5. Sex Education for girls in Schools: All the diocesan women’s commission secretaries conducted programme on ‘sex education’ and ‘self-awareness of women’ to high schools and higher secondary school’s children of diocesan and religious congregation in their respective dioceses. 6. General Body and Executive meetings were conducted.


1. There is an increase in the number of women participating in trainings of the Commission in the Parish level meetings.

2. The presence of TNBC Women Commission is visible in all Dioceses and frequent meetings and trainings are held.


1. Allocation of Sufficient fund for Women Commission activities at diocese level.

2. Lack of Separate office and infrastructure for women commission in some diocese.


1. To propagate gender justice, to eliminate dowry and gender discrimination in family.

2. To Continue Sex Education Seminar at School level.

3. To work for equal participation of women in the decision making in the parish council.

4. To Net working with other women organizations for women’s rights and Empowerment.

5. To create awareness on political participation of women in Local panchayat elections.

24. COMMISSION FOR EVANGELIZATION, DIALOGUE AND CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. F. AntonysamySecretary: Rev. Fr. V. Xavier Arulraj

A. REGULAR ACTIVITIES: 1. The following programmes were conducted in 2016: On The Mission of the Family – Presentation of the Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia” – Tamilnadu level general body gathering of Family Commission on 14-15 June 2016, One day programme on Year of Mercy for Cluny sisters on 3rd July, Formation of Prayer Groups’ Leaders and Lay Preachers on Catholic Charismatic Renewal on 4th July, Evangelisation seminar for lay people on 5th July, CCR Regional and Diocesan Secretaries and Key Leaders’ National meeting on 6-7 August, Evangelising the Families on 9th October, Seminary for Diocesan Charismatic lay leaders on 11 October, Charismatic prayer service at Luz, Chennai on 15 October, Formation program for Rajagiri Prayer group members on 19 October, One day program for lay people on Catholic Charismatic Renewal on 23rd October, Seminar for Tamil Nadu Catechists on Family Apostolate on 25-26 October, Conference for diocesan lay evangelisers on 30 October, National meeting on promoting Family Evangelisation on 6-8 November, Formation on Animators on 11 November, Regional Secretaries’ Meeting on 12-13 November, Seminar on New Evangelisation for teachers on 26 November, Formation for Holy Childhood animators on 29-30 November, Training program for Charismatic Renewal lay leaders on 17-20 December.

2.The following programmes were conducted in 2017: Training for Major seminarians on 4 January, New Evangelisation seminar on 21 January, Formation program for Missionary Holy Childhood animators on 24 January, Formation of regional mission teams on 14-16 February, Training program for lay leaders in the Charismatic renewal on 4 March, Formation program on new evangelisation on 9 March, Training program for Charismatic prayer group leaders on 18 March, Training program for lay leaders in Trichy on 28 March, Formation program on new evangelisation on 29 March, New Evangelisation according to Evangeli Gaudium – a National retreat for major seminarians on 15-21 May, Family Evangelisation according to Amoris Laetitia-program for couples with worldwide marriage encounter team on 17-18 June.


1. many Parish Based Prayer Groups were reached out in remote Parishes in various Dioceses like Kumbakonam, Madurai, Tuticorin, Trichy, Madras -

Mylapore and they were given orientation, training to strengthen them to continue as Catholic Charismatic Renewal Prayer Groups.

2. Many Families and Couples were encountered through seminars and been made aware of their responsibilities and duties to support their local Church.


1. Even many Parish Priests have not read any of the Papal Documents, like, “Evangellii Gaudium”, “Amoris Laetitia”, “Laudato Si.” When it comes for the ordinary faithful, almost 98 percentage of people are ignorant of them and not even heard of them.2. Lack of co-operation from some of the Diocesan Secretaries. They do not take seriously the fixed programs. They tend to cancel the planned programs at the last moment for no reason which makes those days to go in waste.

D. PLANS FOR 2017-18 :

1. To continue to reach out to many more dioceses to conduct diocesan level training programs.

2. To visit Parish based Prayer Groups and to give them specific guidance according to their individual needs.

25. EMMAUS SPIRITUALITY CENTRE

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr.Antony PappusamyDirector: Rev. Fr. I. Francis Xavier


1. Prayer on new moon day : Every month on the new moon day, full night prayer service and healing Spiritual adoration are held and about thousand people attend it. This prayer service is becoming popular in Pondicherry, Chengalpet and Vellore dioceses. Lots of non-Christians participate in this service.

2. Saturday Prayer meeting : First Saturday prayer meeting has been revived. Ever since it is started, people show lot of interest and participate with full spirit. This prayer service starts at 9.30 am and ends at 4.30 pm. About 80 people participate regularly and receive God’s blessings.

3. Three Days Inmate Retreat: Every alternative month, 3 days’ inmate retreat is organized for the people who are depressed, confused and last hope. Many attend this retreat and go home happily.

4. Counseling: Counseling is given to the people who are badly in need.

5. Retreat for Religious: Annual Spiritual Retreat for the religious is offered. Sisters of St.Anne’s of Madavaram and CSST sisters did their annual retreat in our centre.

6. Magazine: Every month we are publishing in tamil a monthly called ‘Emmaus’. It carries articles of Holy Spirit, Bible quiz, testimonies of miracles

in the centre and the centre’s programme. We are dispatching 3000 copies every month to all over Tamilnadu, Malaysia and France.

7. Nursing Home: A Nursing Home for the poor people is administered by the centre. Every year about 2000 to 2500 people are getting benefited through this nursing home.

8. Chain Adoration: There is chain adoration from morning 9.00 am to evening 8.00 pm everyday by the staff members and volunteers.

9. The general body meeting of the Arul Jyothi Trust: The meeting was held at Emmaus spirituality centre Sithanangur on 17th Novenber 2016.


1. Lay leaders Training Programme : Two meetings were organised and about 35 persons have participated.

2. Pilgrims: All the pious associations like Legion of Mary from different parishes come, pray and spend time in this spiritual atmosphere often. A retreat was conducted for legion of Mary group from Cuddalore.

3. Volunteers Training Programme: In December, volunteers training programme was conducted and about 40 people participated in it.

4. Emmaus Day: To give the Emmaus experience to the pilgrims on the new moon day, a Procession of the risen Lord was conducted at mid-night. There is a plan to celebrate ‘Emmaus Day’ every year.

5. Service of Religious Sisters: Congregation of Sisters of Jesus are serving in the centre They are particularly looking after the Liturgical services on New Moon Day prayer service, First Saturday prayer meeting, Retreat for Religious and every day mass. At the same time they look after the stall where we sell religious articles. They look after the pilgrims needs as well. Their presence boosts the religious atmosphere in our centre. C. CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FACED:

1. We are struggling to maintain the entire area and buildings due to lack of funds.

2. To bring more participants to all the prayer services and activities.


1. We are planning to organize a mega convention through which we would like to re – introduce our centre to all over Tamilnadu.

2. We plan to visit most of the neighboring parishes of our centre to bring back the faithful who have already been touch with us.

3. During all the prayer services, (New Moon Day, First Saturday, Three days inmate retreat) we plan to use digital method to capture the Faithfull’s attention and concentration.

4. We plan to make proper roads in our centre.

5. We plan to enhance the quality of our sound and light system.

26. COMMISSION FOR YOUTH

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr. Jerome Dhass, SDBSecretary: Rev. Fr. Marianus Isaac Arokiaraj


1. Regular general body meetings were held and more number of diocesan secretaries participated.

2. YCS/YSM programmes, ICYM programmes and MIJARC programmes were conducted.

3. Youth Sunday was celebrated in all the dioceses.


1. In view of 50th year of YCS/YSM movement in Tamil Nadu as well as in India, the day of Golden Jubilee was celebrated in a grand manner on 8 th Oct. 2016 in Don Bosco Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Thanjavur. Almost there were 947 catholic as well as other students from all over Tamil Nadu participated in one day program which was inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, the Bishop of Dharmapuri with the Holy Eucharist. Then the cultural program on YCS/YSM movement was conducted for the awakening of students. The Chairman Bishop Most Rev. Dr. V. Jerome Dhas SDB presided over the function.

2. There was a special coordination meeting among the YCS/YSM Alumni, which was headed by Most Rev. Dr. Jude Paulraj, Bishop of Palayamkottai. There were 23 members from all over Tamil Nadu present for this meeting.

3. In view of Youth Synod 2018, Pope Francis released a preparatory document on the topic: Young People, Faith and Discernment. This document was translated by the Secretary to Regional Youth Commission and was given to all the Diocesan youth Commission Secretaries and to all the Arch/Bishops.


1. As there is a lack of projects and regular income source for the Regional Commission, we find very much difficult to undertake regional common activities. Also we are not able to support the diocesan level activities financially.

2. Diocesan Youth Commission secretaries do a lot also in other Commissions. So they are not able to concentrate in youth apostolate.


Plan of Universal Church - Youth Synod 2018: As already the preparatory document: “Young People, Faith and Discernment” has been translated into Tamil, our main task in this year is to reach out the document to the youth of all dioceses and get the consultations.

27. COMMISSION FOR VOCATION, SEMINARIES, CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS

Chairman: Most Rev. Dr.SusaimanickamSecretary: Rev. Fr. J. Alexander


1. Seminar on “Catching them young, Challenges and Strategies” was conducted on 27-28 August, 2016 to vocation promoters at Theodore Retreat Centre, Wellington; there were 140 participants and Fr. Hendry Jerome SJ was the resource person.

2. Motivation programme to vocation promoters and collaborators, special meetings for vocation promoters, seminars and orientation programmes to students in colleges and novitiates, Vocation Camps, Vocation Day in formation houses and Vocation Sunday in parishes were organized. 3. Nandavana Nadam, a vocation promotion magazine is regularly published.


Creating the network among the Vocation Promoters through website, Resource Person team, sharing the Address of the schools/Colleges/ and Parishes. Above all the personal contact at and through Vocation Promoters Meeting.


1. Sometimes the ministry of Vocation Promotion is considered as a project work which is not proper.

2. Lack of personal witnessing life in Religious and Priestly life and discouragement in doing Vocation ministry, When there is no expected fruit for the work done.

3. Lack of support from the Religious schools who do not allow the Vocation Promoters to visit students. Lack of spirit in teaching catechism in some schools.

4. Students come in good number to the camps but very less join in the formation.

5. Lack of Interest among the Parish in promoting Vocation and celebrating Vocation Sunday, even after receiving prober guide lines from regional and diocesan Vocation Commission.

6. No full time Vocation Promoters in few congregations. So lack of Co-ordination.

7. The student should see happiness in to days Religious people.

D. NEW INITIATIVES FROM THE DIOCESES/CONGREGATIONS :

1. Inter Parish level Alter servers groups are motivated and conducted quiz and essay competition to make them interest.

2. Vocation ministry at team work. Provincial level, Vicariate level, Priests, Religious and lay join to gather as team.

3. Special orientation camps are conducted on other holidays like chrismas, Pongal to all the students : Exposure camps in Parishes, Institution and other places of ministries ; Vocation camps in different areas so to give easy approach to the students (need not spend lot of money for travel)

4. Made use of Seminarian and Junior sisters are also involved in Vocation Promotion ministry.

5. Compined Vocation camps among Congregations and Vocation exhibition in parishes.

6. Congregation conducted training/ motivation Programme to Sisters Brothers / Fathers so that many may do Vocation Promotion in their ministry Places.

7. In addition with Vocation camps, Orientation camps were conducted.

8. New Students spiritual clubs were created to give special motivation on Vocation.

9. Special day of prayer for Vocation.

10. In two different times two different programmers conducted : Vocation Training program and Vocation Selection program.

E. PLANS FOR 2017-18:

1. To insist strongly on the formation of Vocation Commission members in diocese to collaborate with Vocation Promoters.

2. Formation of Diocesan Lay Committee

3. The teachers are to be trained with idea of Vocation.

4. Compined Vocation camps among congregations and Vocation exhibition in the diocese.

5. On going formation of priests in collaboration with CDPI

6. Program for the Altar Servers.

7. Vocation Motivation camps in inter Parish level, Boarding and Hostels are Targeted.

8. To give important to the missionary Vocation.

9. To have Religious and Diocesan Exhibition (Zonal Level)

10. Reformulation of the year of formation : It is already submitted to the TNLBC yet to be discussed and approved.

11. Parish – Youth Motivation camps.

28. CONFERENCE OF DIOCESAN PRIESTS OF INDIA (CDPI, TN-PY)

Patron: Most Rev. Dr. SusaimanickamSecretary: Rev. Fr. Bernard Lawrence


1. Two Regional Meetings were conducted for the year 2016 – 2017, and both were held at TMSSS, Trichy on 27th January 2017 and 07th June 2017 respectively.

2. In the first meeting on 27th January 2017, there was a talk on Miserecordie et Misera by Rev Fr.Bernard Lawrence of the Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore. Mr.Arockiaraj (jkpo; Njrpa Ngupaf;fk;) spoke on the Uniform CivilCcode, NEP, and Demonetarization. It was followed by a fruitful discussion and clarification of the same.

3. The second meeting was held on 7th June 2017. There was a farewell for the outgoing patron, Most.Rev.Amalraj and welcome to the new patron Most Rev.Susai Manickam. Both the bishops encouraged the CDPI-TN-PY region and assured of their continuous support for the voluntarily involvement in CDPI and of the implementation of its statutes.

4. A total number of 15 members from CDPI TN-PY region participated in the CDPI XV National Conference held at Seva Kendra, Kolkata from 15th to 17th

March 2017, Theme : Life and mission of St.Teresa of Calcutta reflected in the life and mission of the Diocesan Priests.

B. NEW INITIATIVES:

1. With the Spirit of renewal, re-working on the CDPI – TN PY member’s data base has been started.

2. Once the data base is ready, it will be made as booklets and given to the Priests of TN- PY Region.


There is a real challenge to co-ordinate the diocesan priests in the Diocesan, Zonal and Regional levels and to conceive specific formation programmes so that they can become more and more committed to the Pastoral ministry of making our Catholic Church as the movement of the Kingdom of God.

D. PLANS FOR THE YEAR 2017-18:

1. A special one day meeting calling all the Senate secretaries diocese of TN to plan out the Zonal meetings and set a path for right direction keeping in mind the statutes of the CDPI.

2. Two Regional Council meetings.

3.To encourage the Diocesan Executive Committee (DEC) with the Co-operation of their Bishops to conduct a general body meeting of the Diocese at least once in a year (if not twice in a year as stipulated and approved by the statutes).

29. TAMIL NADU-PONDICHERRY PASTORAL COUNCIL (TPPC)

Tamil Nadu-Pondicherry Council under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. Antony Pappusamy involves actively for the growth of the Church in Tamil Nadu. Its suggestions are taken into consideration and it is a advisory body for the TNBC/TNLBC.

A. Regular Activities :

In view of the annual meeting of Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, a preparatory meeting was held in Thanjavur on 18th June 2017. All the representatives from 21 dioceses were invited and Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Paul Samy presided over the meeting. He appreciated the active involvement of the laity in the life and mission of the Church in Tamil Nadu. In the preparatory meeting it was decided to submit to the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ council to discuss on the awareness needed for the Catholics amidst the present political, social and economical context.

TPPC supervises the pastoral activities of all the diocesan commissions. The secretaries of the Diocesan pastoral centre sends the report to the TPPC.

The report of the each diocese is presented in the annual meeting of TPPC.

B. Significant Achievements :

In each diocese, efforts were taken to implement the spirituality based on nature ; trees were planted ; awareness to protect the natural resources ; In some dioceses, decisions were taken not to use the fluxes, plastic bags, etc. ; in some dioceses, the Church campus and other commen places were made greenish.

C. Plans for 2017-18 :

1. To give political awareness to the youth at the diocesan and regional levels ; to give them leadership trainings and to create leaders among them. 2. To help to implement the Dalit empowerment policy at the diocean level.3. To form rights protection group, think tank, legal awareness cells, legal cells.

30. TAMIL NADU- PONDICHERRY CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS OF INDIA (TNPCRI)

TNPCRI is the association of Catholic religious of Tamil Nadu-Pondicherry region. It actively colloborates with TNBC and TNLBC to implement the pastoral plan of the Church in Tamil Nadu.

A. Regular Activities :

1. TNPCRI regularly gathers and discusses the challenges and difficulties in the pastoral, social and educational ministry.2. The executive members along with extended members attend the annual meeting of TNBC.

B. Plans for 2017-18 :

In discussion with TNBC, to finalise the draft of memorandum of understanding For Effective colloboration Between Bishops and religious – Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.