St Devasahayam - Patron of the Indian Laity

Rev. Dr Merlin Rengith Ambrose DCL

In a historic move that has sent ripples of joy through the subcontinent and the global Catholic community, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has officially announced that St Devasahayam has been declared the Patron Saint of the Laity in India. This confirmation, issued via a Vatican decree in July 2025 by the authority of Pope Leo XIV, marks a watershed moment for the Indian Church. It recognises the first Indian layman martyr saint, not merely as a historical figure, but as a living model for millions of ordinary believers.

The formal proclamation was celebrated on January 14, 2026, culminating in a grand Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. George Antonysamy, D.D., Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, in the presence of Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, and in communion with Archbishops and Bishops at Devasahayam Mount in the Kottar Diocese. This date is deeply symbolic, as it marks the anniversary of the day in 1752 when the saint was shot to death for his unwavering faith.

 The Life of a Courtier turned Christ-Bearer

Born in 1712 as Neelakandan, and later called Nilakanda Pillai in the village of Nattalam, Tamil Nadu, the man who would become St Devasahayam was raised in a high-caste Nair family. His father was a Hindu priest, and Neelakanda himself rose to a position of significant influence as an official in the court of King Marthanda Varma, the powerful ruler of the Kingdom of Travancore.

His life was comfortable and predictable until 1741, following the 'Colachel War'. It was then that he met a Dutch sea captain, Eustachius Benedictus de Lannoy, who had been taken as a prisoner of war, but later served the Maharaja. Under the shade of mango trees, de Lannoy shared the Gospel with Neelakanda. He spoke of a God who made no distinction between high caste and low caste, rich and poor.

Why me, Lord?

Adrian Rosario

The chorus of a popular hymn goes:

"Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord. I will hold your people in my heart."

Today, on Laity Sunday 2026 – the first time in India that we mark the day in January (on the Sunday after Jan. 14 – the feast day of St Devasahayam), I wish to draw your attention to the state of lay participation in the Indian Church. My experience of being associated (since May 2018) with the CCBI Laity Commission over almost eight years and across 12 of the 14 Regions both reassures and frightens me.

The reassurance comes from the number of committed laypeople our Team has encountered across India – people who choose to spend time in church work, without any monetary gain and often at tremendous personal sacrifice. They come in all ages and gender, but one thing is common – they love the Church, they want their involvement to be the best gift they offer God. From the mission dioceses to the more established dioceses in the South of India, the common thread is to "do our best for God".

I have heard testimonies from people who are struggling to make ends meet, yet have been involved in some form of volunteer work in the parish; I have interacted with those who have professional degrees and are self-employed or salaried; met retired persons and homemakers; children, youth, adults… one thing is common: they believe God rewards a cheerful giver. So whether it is a regular flower arrangement for the altar for weekend Masses, or a Sunday School catechist who gives his/her time Sunday after Sunday, or a cantor who makes it for weekday evening Mass after commuting by a crowded bus and train, the Church is truly blessed to have many laypeople who give of their time, talents and energy.

But the disturbing thought has been about the next rung of leadership, the successors, the ones who will lead the Church in the next few decades. It is not just about the missing young persons and the middle-aged. It is about those who have decided to move on, move out, just move! One or two bad experiences with other laypersons or clergy, an ego clash with another, an excessive focus on career – the reasons for disengagement are varied. The hymn's chorus I started this article with now has a new question:

Why me, Lord?

Laity Perspectives

 How do you see the Church in our Archdiocese of Bombay in 2026?

"My service in the Church finds expression through the Bible Commission, where I seek to awaken a deeper love for the Word of God, the wellspring from which faith draws breath and direction. I am motivated by the conviction that while the Church is "sacrament-rich," many have yet to meet Christ personally in Scripture, not as ink on a page, but as the living voice of the Eternal "I AM".

Parish life in the Archdiocese of Bombay is sustained by numerous dedicated ministries, yet they often resemble lamps placed too far apart, each glowing faithfully, but rarely illuminating together. An emphasis on sacramental milestones overshadows the need for continuous formation and pastoral accompaniment. Families grapple with the realities of nuclear living, mixed marriages, and strong Western cultural influences, while youth seek identity, belonging, and spaces where their voices and leadership are genuinely welcomed.

 The road in 2026 and beyond challenges the Church to be truly relevant in the 21st century, shaped by AI and "ICE" age (Information, Communication & entertainment), to move from silos to synergy, and to hold in creative balance the sacramental journey with a life formed and sustained by Scripture. As Pilgrims of Hope, the Church must develop inclusive support systems for individuals and families, investing in parish-level leadership formation, counsellor training, and renewed clergy–laity co-responsibility. It requires courage to engage with the difficult and complex questions faced by families and youth with patience, compassion, and wisdom. Only then will faith be celebrated not merely at the altar, but also steadily embodied in daily life."

Steven Pais, Our Lady of Lourdes parish, Orlem

"As a lay person, I am involved in the social and faith-based programmes of our parish. I have been teaching in Sunday School for over ten years. I am an SCC Coordinator and on the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). I am motivated by my love for the Church and the desire to serve God by serving others.

In 2026, I see our Archdiocese of Bombay as a Church that is strong in faith and close to the people. I hope it will be a Church that listens, supports families and youth, and responds to the needs of today's world.

The Church can become more vibrant by encouraging greater participation of lay people, especially the youth, strengthening faith formation, and reaching out to those in need. Working together as one community will help the Church grow. Everyone should feel welcomed, respected, and involved in the mission of the Church.

In the coming years, I hope for a Church that grows in faith, unity, and service, and becomes a source of hope and guidance for society."

Susan Pereira, Our Lady of Mercy parish, Pokhran

ANZA: 200 and Counting

Fr Cedric Prakash SJ

It is not everyday that an institution stands the test of time and lives on to reach the enviable age of 200 years. It is certainly much rarer if the said institution happens to be an educational institution! So Antonio De Souza or ANZA (from the first two and last two letters of the name) High School, in South Mumbai, reaching the glorious age of 200 is certainly no mean feat. This historic milestone has not only to be applauded, but the men and women who have shaped the destiny of this great institution need to be congratulated too. For ANZA (the management, staff and students – both past and present), it has been an amazing journey – epochal in nature, like an unfettered Colossus striding across two centuries.

The roots of ANZA can be traced back to the little island of Mazagaon. In 1548, one Captain Antonio Peso, built within the precincts of his mansion a small private chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Glória (Our Lady of Glories). Later, in 1632, 'Gloria Church' was built at the foot of the Mazagaon Hill. In 1795, a Goan merchant named Antonio De Souza gifted the trustees of the Church with the then princely sum of Rs 40,000 to start a free primary school for Catholic children of the area. The medium of instruction at that time was Portuguese and Latin. In 1825, it was named St John's High School. It was later renamed Antonio De Souza High School after one of its original founders and its main donor. In 1911, both ANZA School and the Gloria Church were demolished and shifted to its present premises in Byculla, with the reconstruction work being completed in 1913. ANZA School and the modern Gloria Church were both built in English Gothic Revival style, and are today heritage landmarks of the city.

The Call to faithful Vocation

Fr Peter D'cunha

Each year on Vocation Sunday, priests and religious renew their heartfelt efforts to awaken in young women and men the desire to offer their lives to God. Through creative outreach, personal witness, and prayerful accompaniment, many are invited to discern this sacred call. This ministry is vital, for the Church continues the mission entrusted by Christ: to go into the world and proclaim the Kingdom of God. For over 2000 years, faithful servants have carried this mission forward, and I am humbled to be among them.

Yet, a deeper question presses upon us: what kind of vocations are we truly seeking? Are we simply trying to increase numbers so that we can claim abundance? Or are we forming men and women of depth, integrity, and living faith—disciples who walk with Christ, embody His values, and make His presence tangible in the world?

The Church does not need numbers alone; it needs hearts that are authentic and faithful. We must honestly examine the motives that draw people to religious life. Are they seeking comfort, security, recognition, or status? Or are they responding to the quiet, demanding call to serve God and His people?

We are not ordained for applause, prestige, or ease. We are not called to gather honours, to celebrate ourselves, or to accumulate comfort. We are ordained to belong to Jesus and to His mission—to make God's love, mercy, and forgiveness visible through lives of humility and truth.

A priest is not meant to impress, perform, or control with words. He is called to live the Gospel with integrity. A vocation is measured not by how one is perceived, but by how faithfully one loves.

Even Jesus faced temptation—especially the lure of comfort and power; yet, He chose obedience and self-giving love. Comfort remains one of the greatest dangers to the spiritual life. I was recently struck by a video of Cardinal Tagle addressing priests, which inspired much of this reflection. He said that the greatest threat to priesthood is not persecution, but comfort. When comfort becomes our priority, the heart of service quietly erodes.

We need priests and religious who place people before themselves, who remember that they belong not to their own convenience, but to Christ and to those they serve.