India Archives - Cardijn.info

Former YCS chaplain celebrates 60th anniversary of profession

Former YCS chaplain, Salesian Father K.K. Anthony Kariyattil, celebrated the 60th year of his religious profession among Murshidabad’s tribal youth at Azimganj on 25 January 2025.

Known as Kolkata’s youth-fest icon of the 1980s on January 25, Fr Kariyattil is currently the confessor and teacher of Salesian pre-novices and aspirants at Savio Bhavan in Azimganj, Matters India reports.

Some 20 priests and several religious sisters and scores of young people participated in the solemn Mass marking the diamond jubilee of Father Kariyattil becoming a Salesian.

Born in Valapad, Thrissur district of Kerala in 1944, Father Kariattil became a Salesian of Don Bosco in 1964.

As a youth animator in Calcutta in 1974, living in Don Bosco School Park Circus Salesian community, Kariyattil, was engaged in ministry with high school students.

“A youth leader from college days in Salesian College Sonada, I became an animator of Young Christian Students as well as the Leadership Training Service students in Calcutta in 1974,” the 82-year-old priest recalled.

Kariyattil, who was the youth fest director for 13 editions, recalled the first fest held at Don Bosco School Park Circus Calcutta in 1977, initiated by the late Brother Trophy D’Souza, Head of the Department of English at Salesian College Sonada, Darjeeling.

Brother D’Souza organized the event with the help of Salesian College Sonada, Kariyattil was then a teacher and youth animator residing in Don Bosco Park Circus.

After his ordination by Jesuit Cardinal Lawrence Picachy of Calcutta in 1978, Kariyattil was appointed youth commission delegate of the archdiocese and, in 1978, chaplain of YCS Calcutta.

Under Kariyattil’s leadership, Youth Fest Kolkata grew into a mass movement of youth, with zonal events in the four deaneries of the archdiocese culminating in a day-long event at Don Bosco School Park Circus grounds.

It was preceded by catechetical themes with specific social action following Cardijn’s Review of Life method: “See, Judge and Act.”

This method, initiated by Joseph Cardijn, a Belgian priest and founder of the Young Christian Workers movement, encouraged young people to engage in social action by observing their surroundings (See), reflecting on what they observed in light of Christian teachings (Judge), and taking action to address issues.

SOURCE

Youth fest icon celebrates 60 years of service (Matters India)

First Cardijn Community bishop ordained in Bangalore

Former Cardijn Community India national chaplain, Msgr Joseph Soosainathan, was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore in Bangalore on Saturday, 24th August 2024.

Glynis Joseph, Coordinator, CC – India, Fr Servatius and Ruben M. Joseph of Cardijn Community International attended the event and felicitated Bishop Soosainathan.

Another Cardijn Bishop Prakash Sagili, former YCS chaplain, who was recently ordained as Bishop of Khammam, Andhra Pradesh also graced the occasion.

“Cardijn Community India is happy that we have now two Cardijn bishops who can act as ‘influencers’ of Cardijn’s spiritually, vision and methodology in the Church in India,” commented Cardijn Community India coordinator, Glynis Joseph.

CCI convenor MJ Ruben also congratulated Bishop Soosainathan.

“Cardijn Community International (CCI) wishes the new Cardijn Bishop Joseph Soosainathan all the very best in his Ministry and look forward to greater cooperation from him to revive Cardijn movements in India,” he told Cardijn.info.

Bishop Soosainathan was born on 14 May 14 1964 in Bangalore. He studied philosophy at Saint Peter’s Pontifical Seminary and theology at Saint Paul’s Seminary in Tiruchirappalli. He was ordained a priest on May 15, 1990, for Bangalore archdiocese.

He has previously held the following offices: deputy parish priest of Saint Joseph and Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral (1990-1991), parish priest of Saint Anne (1991-1997), Saint John Evangelist (1997-2004), Our Lady of Fatima (2004-2010 and 2017-2020), Saints Peter and Paul (2010-2017) and Sacred Heart (since 2020). He was also diocesan chaplain of Bangalore YCS.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Soosainathan (ucanews.com)

Remembering Bernie Docherty, extension worker in India

Former YCW India leader, Joseph Arokyasamy, has penned this tribute to the late Bernard James Docherty, an extension worker from Australia, who helped launch the YCW in several Indian dioceses.

Greetings in the Name of Jesus our Lord.

I am sending a very short background, my experiences with Mr Bernie Docherty and Miss Betty King and their hard work to organising the YCW in Bangalore and Madras Archdiocese, Poona and Allepey Dioceses. I travelled with him to three Diocesan meetings.

Bernie and Betty came to India at the end of 1960 and stayed till end of 1963.

Bernie use to cycle to contact workers in various areas in the city and he used to walk to places close by. He was so simple, honest and humble person, very hard working, very sincere in his work and his words. His behaviour attracted many including myself.
I first joined the group during Christmas 1960, learning to know all about YCW. In 1961 I formally joined the group due to Bernie’s persuasion.

I was not good in English and he encouraged me every time I made mistakes. In Sacred Heart Parish there were seven members in the YCW.

Bernie used to visit my simple home and have black coffee from my mother. She was very much fond of him. He encouraged me to study and I joined a tutorial college for Matriculation in 1961.

Bernie organised a central committee with Fr Rajekaiar as Diocesan chaplain from St Francis Xavier church, St Joseph church, St Mary’s, St Patrick’s and Sacred Heart Church. Mr Joe Bastian was President.

In the middle of July 191 along with Fr Thomas Joseph of Madras, he organised three days study at Coimbatore. Forty members from Madras, Mangalore, Bangalore, Allepy, Trichy along with seven priests also participated. Fr Thomas Joseph explained the methodology of YCW, what it stands for etc. All the workers were very happy to learn See, Judge and Act technique.

In 1962 he and Fr Thomas organised a seminar for seminarians at the Bishop’s House in Allepey.

I was invited to give a talk on contacts. It was my first experience on stage and I was very nervous but Fr Thomas helped me to complete my talk.

After a year and half Helen and Peter visited India and Peter found that there were many Joseph in the group. So they called Joe Bastian Big Joe and me Little Joe. Till today everyone calls me Little Joe.

Bernie and Betty organised three working women’s group with help of Cynthia Joneson. I was the one who introduced Cynthia to Betty when she was in my office.

Bernie organized five groups.

In the year 1963 Bernie married Philomena Dubiar from the Madras YCW girls. I was his best man. He left India in 1963.
Today there are more than 15000 men and women involved in YCW, CWM and CCI in more than 65 Dioceses in India.

Joseph Arokyasamy

Bernie Docherty, YCW extension worker in India (Australian Cardijn Institute)

Betty King (Joseph Cardijn Digital Library)

Responding to the cry of the earth

Webinar on Ecology, Environment and Climate Crisis with the theme “Responding to the cry of the earth” organised by Cardijn Community India (CCI) on 16th October 2021.

One of the core concerns of CCI is to promote Ecological education and Climate justice.

Rev. Dr. Rayappa Kasi, renowned Environmentalist was the speaker. Fr Rayappa Kasi is a Catholic Priest who has dedicated himself full time to work towards building awareness about climate crisis and the need to protect the environment.

Multi-pronged expansion for CCI India

CCI-India will launch a national study of internal migrant workers, a media training program and the creation of a Cardijn Media company, the National Team has announced following its meeting at Trichur, Kerala this week.

The 15-17 May meeting undertook an extensive review of the movement’s activities in India and the steps taken since the National Council in November 2011.

CCI Secretary General MJ Ruben reports that the team adopted a multi-pronged approach to build CCI in India and to promote Cardijn, including the following:

1. A survey on the living and working conditions of internal migrant workers:

To be undertaken in 6 phases viz. (i) Finalisation of the objective and guidelines; (ii)data collection; (iii)analysis of data collected; (iv)consultation to discuss the outcome of the survey and to plan action with the field workers, experts, sociologists, organisations working on migrant issues and CCI leaders and animators; (v)publication of the survey and the last phase (vi) will be the action part (representation, lobbying and sensitization on the issue).

SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) tool will be used for formulating guideliens and analysing the data collected.

Two fulltime workers from CCI will be appointed for two to three months to conduct the survey in 6 major cities in India (Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad).

One hundred families/individuals will be contacted during the survey in each of the six cities. Besides the six cities, CCI members will also take up the survey in their own areas.

2. Media and Social Media Training

Two programs are to be held in Secunderabad from 7-11 July 2012.

3. Cardijn Media

It was also decided to register Cardijn Media as a company. Six people have already agreed to subscribe for 10,000 rupees of shares.

Under the proposed statutes, 50 per cent of any profits will be donated to CCI.

Among other decisions CCI – India formally decided to affiliate with the Cardijn Community International.

National Team member Jomon Cherussery was coopted as national treasurer following the resignation of Monica Mascarenhas.

It was also decided to open up for individual memberships with an undertaking by new members to endeavour to launch new CCI teams in their local areas within twelve months of their joining.

CCI launched in Hyderabad India

Cardijn Community International (CCI) was formally launched in Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh in India on 19 February 2012.

Hyderabad is the fourth most populous city in India with an area of 650 sq k.ms (250 sq miles). Hyderabad is also a major global centre for IT and bio-pharmaceutical industries.

Around 50 former leaders of YCS, YCW and CWM participated in the one day launch program which started with a mass by Fr. Thumma Arla, a former animator of YCS and the Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The Diocesan President of CWM and the Diocesan Youth Director, Fr. Fatima Reddy also attended.

Ms Elizabeth Martin, a former YCW welcomed the gathering and introduced the CCI National Leaders and the International Secretary General.

CCI was formally launched by lighting the lamp by Fr. Thumma Arla and other CCI leaders present.
James Sylvester, a former YCS leader and currently member of the CCI-India Volunteer Team steered the day’s program.

Fr. Thumma Arla assured his support in the efforts to promote Cardijn. He emphasized on the need to ‘See-Judge-Act’ in the light of the Gospel values. Fr. Thumma appealed to the CCI to help him re-activate the Pastoral Centre and put it to proper use and expressed that CCI is always welcome to make use of the Centre.

Xavier Anthony, CCI National President extended the greetings on behalf of the National Team.
Ms Glynis Joseph, National Secretary stressed on the need for clear financial perspectives and self-financing.

Clifford Bastian, Member of the CCI-India National Team, who is also a former YCW of Hyderabad recalled his days in the YCW here and wished the Hyderabad CCI all the best.

M. J. Ruben, CCI Secretary General congratulated the Hyderabad Chapter for the launch. In his brief intervention he covered on the origin and objective of CCI and gave a general view of the functioning of the movement at the international level.

All the former leaders were very excited to meet each other after 20 to 30 years and they were very jubilant that such an opportunity was created by CCI.

There was a feeling of emotion clubbed with gratitude to the Cardijn movements which formed them. In their personal testimony, all those who spoke acknowledged that ‘they are what they are today only because of the formation they received through the Cardijn movements’.

The forenoon session ended with lunch.

Thirty-five members enthusiastically attended the post lunch planning session in which the members continued their testimonies.

Two factors emerged very clearly from the testimonies, i.e. i) Cardijn is the binding factor among all of them; and ii) through the formation in Cardijn movements, they have a ‘special identity’ which is opposed to the ‘identity’ imposed by the consumer culture promoted by globalisation.

All of them felt that there is a need to continue to work to restore human dignity and that they should function as a group. All of them wanted to be part of the CCI.

At the concluding session, James Sylvester proposed formation of an ad-hoc team to work out modalities for regular meetings, activities, etc. and it was agreed.

After consultation in small groups, a seven member team was nominated as the Coordinating Team of CCI-Hyderabad with Ms Elizabeth Martin as the Coordinator; the members of the team are: James Sylvester, I. Prakasham, Martin Michael, Patrick Fernandez, Manasa Janaki and John.

An appeal was made to those who would like to be part of the team to contact the Coordinator and to take part in the next meeting.

The grand launch program followed hectic preparations and contact work done by James Sylvester, Martin Michael and Ms Elizabeth Martin.

The National leaders of CCI-India and the CCI Secretary-General appreciate and congratulate the efforts of the organising team in bringing Hyderabad into CCI fold.

Report: MJ Ruben, CCI Secretary-General

Fr Thomas Joseph recalls meeting with Cardijn

Indian priest, Father Thomas Joseph, 92, recalls his meeting with late Cardinal Joseph Cardijn, founder of the YCW.

The nonagenarian priest says he was totally unprepared when his archdiocese appointed him workers’ chaplain in 1950, www.ucanindia.in reports. His only brief was to help in Catholic workers’ faith formation and organize them for their socio economic welfare.

“It was mainly to keep them away from communists,” he said with hindsight.

Inexperienced as he was, he began visiting workers’ families and their leaders. “I found workers helplessness and marginalized from one generation to the other.”

Trade unions controlled only the organized workers and used them for political purposes. And there was none to take care of the unorganized.

“I too felt helpless. My long years of formation did not help,” the priest explained. So, he attended a course in industrial relation at the Oxford University.

FULL STORY

Church needs to renew workers movement: Priest (ucanindia.in)

CCI India to focus on internal migration campaign

CCI-India is to launch a three month enquiry campaign focusing on internal migration following its general assembly and study session in Chennai last week.

The General Assembly also elected a new national team with Xavier Anthony as president, Glynis Joseph as secretary and Monica Mascarenhas as treasurer.

CCI Secretary General MJ Ruben, who also participated in the meeting, has filed the brief report below:

11th Nov.: The event started with an immersion session inaugurated by Fr. Thomas Joseph, 92 years, a worker chaplain and YCW/CWM Chaplain since 1950.The website of CCI-India was also launched. You can visit www.cardijncommunity.in

The immersion session was conducted by Fr. Maschio, Animator of CCI groups in Kanniyakumari and Tuticorin dioceses.

M. J. Ruben made a presentation on ‘What is CCI’.

Ms Glynis Joseph, Coordinator of the host chapter welcomed and Lazar, Treasurer proposed a vote of thanks. The inaugural session was followed by a welcome dinner.

12th Nov.: The Study on ‘Corruption – in and around us’ brought out new insights and revelations about our own lives, attitudes, mentalities, perceptions and about what is happening in the community. Many proposals came out in terms of acting against this menace.

13th: GA – Business session with chapter reports, National report, financial report, etc. It was amazing to discover that Rupess 260,000 was the income in just 18 months. All this money came from the CCI members and through their efforts from the friends of CCI. Everyone felt that it is possible to develop the movement without having to depend on external sources. This is one of the aspects of the ‘spirituality of CCI’ and we need to develop this ‘culture’.

PLAN FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS

1. Internal Migration: Inquiry Campaign to be launched on the ‘Living and working conditions of internal migrant workers’ at the all India level which will go on for 3 months. The National CCI will plan further based on the findings.

2. Vatican II @ 50: A 3 year project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vatican II will be launched in 2012.

3. Other issues for Study/Campaign: Unemployment, Corruption, Work and Worker, Climate Justice, Peace Building

4. Training for youth on ‘Social Media and Social Networking’

Plans for extension were made besides proposals for fund raising.

STATUTES:

The GA adopted the Statutes and Internal Regulations which will be the guiding point for the CCI India in future.

It was also decided to have a legal status for CCI by registering it under the ‘Societies Act’.

NEW TEAM:

National President: Xavier Anthony (Bangalore)
National Secretary: Ms Glynis Joseph (Chennai)
National Treasurer: Ms Monica Mascarenhas (Pune)
Team Members:
Clifford Bastian: Nagpur
Jomon Cherussery: Kerala
Joseph Arokiasamy: Pune
Paul Arputham: Bangalore
National Chaplain: Fr. Servatius (Kanniyakumari)
Collaborators: Fr. Maschio (Tuticorin); Dominic Mendonca (Pune)
Volunteer Team: Joseph Anthony (Bangalore); George Heston (Chennai); James Sylvester (Hyderabad)
Ex-officio Members: V. Susairaj and M. J. Ruben

Visit Photo Gallery here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/103324114816508872702/CCIIndiaGA2011

Liby Mendonca prayer campaign launched

CCI-India has launched a prayer campaign seeking a miracle cure for Liby Mendonca, a former YCW from Pune.

LIBERATA MENDONCA (Liby), who is married to Dominic Mendonca, Collaborator to CCI-India, has been unconscious and on life support for over a month. Her brain was damaged due to high blood pressure and the doctors have given up hope.

Only a miracle can save her, doctors say.

The prayer campaign proposed during the CCI India General Assembly at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Chennai, India on the 129th birth anniversary of Cardijn (November 13, 2011) commenced at 12 noon on the 14th November.

CCI India hopes that a miracle will also provide evidence to push forward the process for the canonisation of Cardijn.

Details of the prayer campaign can be found below.

Prayer to Cardijn for the healing of Ms Liberata Mendonca

Dear Friends,

Ms Liberata Mendonca, known as ‘Liby’ is a former YCW of Pune in India and is married to Dominic Mendonca, former YCW and now Collaborator to the CCI-India. They have a daughter Michelle who is married with a daughter. They all live in Pune. On the 13th October 2011, Liby and Dominic went to their homeopathic doctor for a check up and soon after she felt bad and collapsed. She was rushed to hospital immediately and was admitted to the ICU. By that time her blood pressure had shot to the maximum and her brain was affected. Brain surgery was suggested but she was too weak to undergo the risky surgery. Fluids were drained from her head.

From 13th October onwards, she has remained ‘unconscious’ and on ‘oxygen’ support. She opens her eye sometimes but gives no sign of recognition. She is still critically ill. Doctors have given up hope and say there is no scope for recovery. They suggest that she be taken home and kept in the surrounding she is familiar with. There is only a very small probability that in the course of time she may recognise the surrounding, people around her, etc.

In short, Liby is in a ‘vegetative’ state with ‘oxygen’ supported life. Only a miracle can save her. We need that miracle right now. If we believe, we will see the miracle happen.

CCI in its evolution has experienced a number of miracles through Cardijn’s intercession. We would like you and all your friends and contacts to pray to Cardijn to intercede on behalf of Liby for her total healing. We are sure our good Lord will grant a new lease of life toLiby through Cardijn’s intercession.

Kindly say the prayer attached daily till Liby recovers. Ask your family and friends to pray for Liby. Pass ton his request to as many friends as possible so that we can soon witness the miracle of Liby walking home fully recovered. We can also prove to the world that Cardijn is a blessed saint who deserves due recognition.

For those who are yet to know Cardijn, his brief profile is also given.

In Solidarity,

Ms Glynis Joseph

National Secretary

Note: This Prayer Campaign to Cardijn began at 12 noon on Monday, the 14th November 2011 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Santhome, Chennai, India.

RIP former IYCW chaplain Fr R.V. Mathias

Former International YCW chaplain Fr RV Mathias died at 2.30a.m. in Trichy, India, following a massive heart attack.

“We are shocked and saddened to hear of Fr Mathias’ passing,” CCI President Stefan Gigacz said in a statement.

“During his term as IYCW international chaplain, he worked tirelessly to maintain the unityof the movement. For this, we will be forever grateful.”

Fr Mathias was born in Edangani, Tamil Nadu on November 11, 1938.

He entered the seminary in 1953 andstudied at St Paul’s Seminary, India, from 1958-60. From 1960-64 he was a guest at the Pontifical Urban College in Rome followed by catechetical and liturgical studies at the Catholic Institute of Paris from 1964-66.

He was ordained as a priest in Rome on 21 December 1963.

Among the many positions he held, Fr Mathias was parish priest, diocesan, national and international chaplain of the YCW as well as chaplain of the diocesan youth and workers for the diocese of Trichy.

He was also Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Executive Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Labor (Delhi), Vicar general of the diocese of Trichy.

In 2002 he was appointed as Executive Secretary of the CBCI Commission for the laity.

He taught at Karumathur Jesuit Theological College near Madurai, India until recently.

After taking sabbatical leave, he was named >spiritual father at St Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli in April 2011.

Fr Mathias also collaborated actively with the Centre Lebret-IRFED network.

The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul’s Seminary, Trichy.

Read more at the CCI India website: Fr RV Mathias is no more