In a powerful expression of faith and social engagement, the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement (TCYM), in India, organized a unique Lenten pilgrimage on April 5–6, 2025.
As part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, 15 youths from various dioceses across Tamil Nadu undertook a spiritual journey, reflecting on the life, teachings, and liberating mission of Jesus Christ.
The pilgrimage began at St. Joseph’s Church, Samayanallur, in the Diocese of Madurai. Far from a conventional Lenten observance, this pilgrimage led the youth to key sites of people’s struggles and social justice movements.
One of the highlights of the pilgrimage was the visit to Arittapatti, where the youth met grassroots leaders of the anti-tungsten mining movement that successfully protected thousands of acres of ecologically and culturally significant land.
Through this encounter, they learned how faith and activism can unite to safeguard creation, resonating with the Jubilee 2025 theme of ecological responsibility.
The youth group also visited Thiruparankundram, a powerful symbol of religious harmony where a Hindu temple and a Muslim dargah stand side by side.
In a time of increasing polarization, the site reminded the youth of the enduring value of unity and peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.
At the Silva Retreat Centre in Kodaikanal, the youth entered a time of prayer and reflection. Fr. Edison, director of TCYM, led sessions on the liberating message of Jesus, urging the youth to embrace their Christian calling by standing in solidarity with the oppressed.
The Youth Way of the Cross, which included reflections on modern martyrs like Jesuit Father Stan Swamy and St. Oscar Romero, deepened their understanding of suffering and discipleship in today’s world.
The pilgrimage concluded with a Holy Mass, where the participants shared powerful testimonies of transformation and renewed commitment to justice, truth, and Gospel-centered living.
Through this journey, TCYM offered young Catholics a way to live Lent not just as a season of penance but as a time of profound spiritual awakening and engagement with the cries of the world—walking truly in the footsteps of Jesus the Liberator.
Abishek Raja was the coordinator of the magazine team and sub-editor of Thudippu Magazine.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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