275 Lay Evangelizers Sent Forth to Share God’s Love Across Tamil Nadu

Velankanni, Tamil Nadu | October 7, 2026

The Diocese of Thanjavur commissioned 275 lay evangelizers during a special Mass at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni on October 3, marking an important step in strengthening lay participation in the Church’s mission.

Representing around 25 parishes across the diocese, the newly commissioned evangelizers were entrusted with the mission of proclaiming God’s love, witnessing to His presence and making the Gospel visible through their daily lives.

Bishop Sagayaraj Thamburaj of Thanjavur presided over the Mass, which was concelebrated by more than 30 priests, including clergy serving at the Velankanni shrine and parishes across the diocese.

Called to Proclaim God’s Love

In his homily, Bishop Thamburaj highlighted three important aspects of the evangelizers’ mission: proclaiming God’s love, witnessing that God is present among His people, and making the Gospel visible through their lives.

“God is loving. God is with you. God is always with you,” the bishop emphasized, encouraging the evangelizers to share this message with the people they encounter.

Reflecting on the meaning of Emmanuel — “God is with us” — he reminded them that God is not distant but remains present with His people.

The bishop also stressed that evangelization is not limited to words. A Christian life rooted in faith can itself become a powerful witness to the Gospel.

“If you live as a good Christian, the Gospel will be proclaimed,” he said, encouraging the new evangelizers to remain faithful to Christ even when they face difficulties and challenges.

Building Communities Through Faith and Service

Bishop Thamburaj further encouraged the evangelizers to help build Christian communities marked by love, faith, justice and care for others. He pointed to the early Christian community as an example of how believers who visibly lived their faith could inspire others to follow Christ.

The 275 evangelizers completed one year of formation, with classes held on 15 Sundays covering different aspects of Christian faith and evangelization. The programme was organized by the Diocese of Thanjavur’s Commission for Liturgy and Catechesis under Father A. Paulraj.

The formation was supported by the Sacred Heart Brothers, who initiated the lay evangelization movement in Tamil Nadu, along with lay evangelizers from the neighboring Diocese of Sivagangai.

A Commitment to Mission

Following the homily, the names of all 275 evangelizers were called. They came forward and expressed their willingness to dedicate themselves to the mission, offering their time, resources and energy for the service of God and His people.

A Litany of the Saints was sung, asking for God’s protection and grace upon the new evangelizers. A declaration of dedication to lay evangelization was then proclaimed and repeated by the entire group.

As a visible sign of their commitment, Bishop Thamburaj presented each evangelizer with a cross and a rosary.

Thanjavur is the second diocese in Tamil Nadu, after Sivagangai, to train lay evangelizers. According to Father Paulraj, the diocese plans to recruit and train new members every year, with the goal of developing a strong lay movement and strengthening the Church’s synodal journey.

The commissioning of the 275 evangelizers is a reminder that evangelization is a shared mission. Through their faith, service and witness, these lay evangelizers are being sent into their communities to proclaim God’s love and help make the Gospel visible in everyday life.