25 March 2025
The annual meet of the Lay Associates was held on March 22nd 2025, at Holy Cross College, Trichy, from 8:30am to 1:30 pm. A total of 175 Lay Associates from various units participated in the event. It was a day of great joy for the Province of Trichy as 32 Lay Associates from 9 units willingly came forward to make their promises to live as witnesses of Paschal Joy. Sr. Lourdu Adaikalasamy, the President, Sr. Lilly Mary David, Councillor In-Charge, Sr. Regie Chinnapan, the Coordinator of Lay Associates, all the commission members, and the Sisters animating various units were present. Fr. Christu Raj MSFS and Fr. Richard MSFS were the resource persons for the day.
The event began with a prayer service, setting a spiritual tone for the day, followed by a warm welcome address. The first talk was given by Fr. Christu Raj, emphasizing the significance of the Jubilee year and the call to spiritual renewal. During the adoration the priests conducted a healing ceremony to help the people experience God's merciful and compassionate love.
The highlight of the day was the Holy Mass, during which 32 Lay Associates came forward to make their promises. Sr. Lourdu Adaikalasamy asked about their readiness, after which they gave their promises to God. She received them with joy and presented them with a symbolic badge featuring two hands—one bearing the wounds of the crucified Jesus and the other representing the glorified Christ. She also gave them a Guideline Book for Holy Cross Lay Associates and another on the Virtues of Mother Claudine, encouraging them to live their call as witnesses of Paschal Joy with dedication and faith. The Lay Associates sang the anthem of Lay Associates with lighted candles in their hands and placed them under the cross, surrendering themselves to God in order to make Him known and loved.
After the Holy Mass, the lay associate, along with Sr. Lourdu Adaikalasamy, cut a cake to commemorate the joy of the occasion. The day ended with a fellowship meal, strengthening the bonds of unity among the Lay Associates.
This significant event was a testament to the deep commitment of the Lay Associates to their mission and faith, reinforcing their dedication to the charism of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod and the spirit of service.
Sr Amutha Soosai, Province of Trichy
Member of the Commission for the Lay Associates