Tamil Nadu Lay Leaders Prepare for Jubilee 2025 at Regional Symposium

Trichy, Tamil Nadu, March 3, 2025 – The Commission for the Laity of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council (TNBC) organised a regional symposium on 'Challenges and Invitations of Jubilee 2025' at the TNBC Laity Training Centre in Trichy on March 1, 2025. The event gathered 312 lay faithful and priests from 18 dioceses in Tamil Nadu to study the Final Document of the Synod and prepare for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025.

The event commenced with a procession carrying the Jubilee 2025 cross, symbolising the pilgrimage of faith. 

In his presidential address, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Antony Pappusamy, Archbishop Emeritus of Madurai, emphasised the need to overcome division, differentiation, and indifference within the Church. “We need to address these challenges to foster a more synodal Church at the local level,” he stated, setting the tone for the discussions ahead.

Fr. Maria Michael, Secretary to the TNBC Commission for the Laity, enlightened the participants on the objectives of the symposium and urged them to reflect on the invitations of Jubilee 2025 in the light of the Synod.

The highlight of the symposium was a presentation by Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, CCBI National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, who elaborated on the role of lay faithful as outlined in the Final Document of the Synod. His insights provided the attendees with more clarity regarding the participation of the laity in the Church’s mission. Mrs. Dhanaseeli Dhivyanathan moderated the session.

Adding a socio-cultural and political perspective to the discussion, Mr. Eronimus, an educationist, delivered a talk wherein he contextualised the Jubilee Year 2025 within the contemporary realities of Tamil Nadu. Fr. Nithiya Sagayam Anthony moderated the session. Adv. Rajan followed with a presentation on synodal actions for transformative engagement in society and Church life. Mr. Henry Julius moderated the discussion.

The symposium also introduced the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033, expanding the participants’ vision for evangelisation and long-term Church growth.

Feedback from Participants

Several participants shared their reflections on the symposium, with Mr. Arul Bhaskar of Madurai expressing how the emphasis on synodality inspired him to establish small synodal communities in his parish. Mrs. Mary Regina from the Diocese of Salem echoed similar sentiments, focusing on the critical role of lay leaders in fostering unity and contributing to the Church’s mission.

During the open hour at the end of the symposium, an action plan was formulated to advance the Commission’s work in preparation for the Jubilee Year.

The symposium concluded with a collective commitment from the participants to embrace the Jubilee 2025 as a time of renewal and transformation. The event marked a significant milestone in preparing Tamil Nadu’s lay faithful for an active role in a mission-focused, synodal Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter