Marist Community of India Celebrated 50 Years of Presence
On 18 May, in Trichy, the Marist Community gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Marist presence in India. The colored solemn Eucharistic Celebration was broadcasted and counted with the participations of representatives from different parts of the Institute. Brothers Josep Maria Soteras and Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa represented the General Government of the Institute, Br. Sunanda Alwis, Vice-Provincial, the Province of South Asia, Br. Allan de Castro, Provincial, the Province of East Asia, and Br. CanĂsio JosĂ© Willrich, Superior of the District, the MDA. There were also Brothers representative from the Province Star of the Sea.
The mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Madurai, Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy and concelebrated by the bishop of Tiruchirappalli, Most Rev. Arokiaraj, and the bishop of Dindigul, Most Rev. Thomas Paulsamy. The celebration was followed by other priests, consecrated people and many laypeople link with the Marist Mission in India.
The Golden Jubilee celebration of the Marist Brothers’ foundation in India (1974-2024) had as theme “Heart of Mary, Hands of Service”.
In a message sent to the Marist of India, Br. Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, sais that “0ver the course of these 50 years of our Marist presence in India and through your dedicated efforts and exemplary lives, you have made the dream of our founder, Saint Marcellin Champagnat, come true. Like drops of water in the ocean, amidst the vast expanse of India’s needs and challenges, you have silently contributed to the education of countless children and young people.”
Golden Jubilee Magazine
You can read more about the history of Marist Presence in India reading the Golden Jubilee Magazine. The book contains the history of the Marist mission in India over the last fifty years, along with jubilee complement messages from bishops, brothers, and laypeople across the globe. It includes photos capturing golden memories from the journey since 1974 and highlights the leadership throughout the years. During the celebration, Brother Sylvain delivered a felicitation address and message to the brothers on behalf of the Superior General and the Council. As a token of appreciation and thanks, an image of Mary was presented.
Marist presence in India
The three pioneer Brothers were Sri-Lankan and arrived on 1st May 1974, and they were Brothers Gregory Appuhamy, Sunanda Joseph Perera and Godfrey Edward Perera.
Upon arrival they prepared the first Marist House at Thillainagar, in Trichy. Later, in 1975, was inaugurated a house for the Postulancy at Ramilinga and, in 1977, began the novitiate at Tricky. In 1978 the First Indian Brothers professed in Sri Lanka scholasticate. Since then, the brothers have also developed several schools and projects to help “untouchable” children break the cycle of poverty.
Marist Brothers in India are engaged in both educational and social services. Thousands of students have graduated in the last 20 to 30 years through the Marist schools. Many children and young people have been empowered and supported in terms of education and healthcare. The Marist mission has had a significant impact on the children especially in rural villages.
Currently South Asia Province has four communities in Tamil Nadu, India. And all together there are 17 Brothers from the province in the sector, divided into the following Marist communities:
- Maria Shanthi Illam at Uyyakondan Thirumalai, Trichy. This is also Regional Office and formation house. There are 6 Brothers.
- Marcellin Nivasa Community at P.Udayapatti, Karur district. There are 5 Brothers and all of them are working in the schools there.
- Gregory Illam, Marist Community at Mangamanuthu, Dindigul district. There are 2 Brothers working in the school.
- Marist Brothers House at Viyazhanmedu, Trichy district. There are 2 Brothers.
There are four schools belong to South Asia Province, India Sector: Marist Boys Primary School at P.Udayapatti, Karur; Marist Higher Secondary School at P. Udayapatti, Karur; St. Marcellin Higher Secondary School, Mangamanuthu, Dindigul; Marist Nursery and Primary School, Viyazhanmedu, Trichy. Those schools are both self-financed and partly supported by the Government except Marist Nursery and Primary School at Viyazhanmedu which is fully self-financed. All the schools are in rural villages and students belong to economically backward class.
Marist District of Asia (MDA) is also present in India and has a community in the village of Talit. Two brothers from South Asia are commissioned here working in MDA. In Talit community there are other 2 Brothers from West Bengal (India) that belong to MDA.
Marcellin Trust
Marcellin Trust is a registered and non-profit organization run by the Marist Brothers. There are different projects under the Trust such as Operation Rainbow which provides care and support to HIV/AIDS affected people, La Valla Evening Study Centre. These two projects Chetana Tribal Boys Hostel and community College come under Marcellin Trust but which belong to MDA.
Support for the Mission in India
Missions in the Indian sector are supported by FMSI, Australian Marist Solidarity, India Village Project (Dundee, Scotland) and Maist colleges in Australia and Scotland. There are others such as Misean Cara and the Italian Bishop’s Conference.