Inauguration of KCSL Action Plans and Animators’ Gathering Held at Pattom Pastoral Centre

The Kerala Catholic Students League (KCSL) of the Thiruvananthapuram Major Archdiocese held a momentous event at the Pattom Samannwaya Pastoral Centre, where the 2024 Action Plans were inaugurated, and the Animators’ Gathering was organised. His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos presided over the inauguration ceremony, officially launching the year’s initiatives for the spiritual growth of Catholic students across the archdiocese.

KCSL President Mr. Biju Thomas chaired the event, which saw the participation of prominent figures, including Rev. Fr. Thomas Kayyalakkal, who oversees missionary activities within the Major Archdiocese, and Rev. Fr. Nelson Valiyaveettil. Other attendees included Mr. Jaymon Ayyaneth, Chairman of KCSL in the Major Archdiocese, along with KCSL office bearers, representatives, and several nuns, all of whom are committed to nurturing the spiritual development of the younger generation.

A Brief History of KCSL

Kerala Catholic Students League (KCSL), founded in 1917, is the first and oldest Catholic students’ organisation in Kerala, with the motto “Faith, Study, and Service.” The league has played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual lives of Catholic students in both aided and unaided schools across Kerala for over a century.

The journey of KCSL began in 1915 when a group of Malayalee students at St. Joseph’s College, Trichinappally, Tamil Nadu, envisioned an organisation to deepen the faith of Catholic students. This vision was realised in 1917, when Mar Alexander Choolaparampil, then Bishop of Kottayam, officially inaugurated the Malabar Catholic Students Conference (MCSC) at Leo XIII High School, Alappuzha. Over time, the organisation expanded to include college students and evolved into KCSL, with its focus on uniting Catholic students through faith and service.

KCSL’s Mission and Objectives

KCSL strives to shape Catholic students into ideal Christians and responsible Indian citizens by embedding faith, study, and service into their daily lives. The league encourages students to uphold democratic values, commit to religious freedom, promote communal harmony, and actively engage in social issues. Study circles, discussions, seminars, camps, and group prayers help supplement the religious training students receive at school. Through these activities, KCSL fosters leadership and prepares students for service to society, the Church, and the nation.

The Inauguration of the 2024 Action Plan

During the inauguration, Cardinal Cleemis emphasised the importance of faith in shaping young minds, encouraging them to embrace the values of service and compassion, as outlined in KCSL’s long-standing objectives. The new action plans for 2024 will focus on deepening the students’ commitment to their faith while nurturing their talents for the benefit of society.

As the event concluded, the animators and representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the year ahead, looking forward to carrying out the activities that would further strengthen the mission of KCSL.

KCSL’s rich history and enduring impact are a testament to its unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith and the development of strong, morally grounded future leaders. With each passing year, the organisation continues to evolve, serving as a guiding light for students throughout Kerala and beyond.