Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Aranattukara Church - KCYM Unit



What is KCYM?

KCYM - the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement; as the acronym suggests is a group of socially committed catholic youth in Kerala. On verification of the decades of history, it is evident that KCYM marked its presence as a great corrective force in the social arena.

About the Beginning:

KCYM started its operations in the Parish in the year 1978. It has well defined aims and a written constitution. The members of the Movement draw their inspiration from all the invaluable contributions of Fr. Thomas Parekadan and Fr. Sebastian in the early days of the establishment of KCYM in the area.

An Outlook On the Activities:

The aim of the Kerala Catholic Movement of Aranattuakara is the perfect development of the catholic youth based on the vision of Christ, and the total liberation of the society. As a Movement it is committed to its ideals of spiritual emancipation, social liberation, fight against social evils, and righteous leadership.

The members of KCYM actively involve in liturgical and spiritual activities like Christmas and Easter celebrations in the church, Christmas crib competition, Trip to Velankanni; the shrine of Virgin Mary.

KCYM has a strong social commitment. In accordance with that it carries out activities of house visits, old age home visits, educations funds for the deserving students, helping the sick and needy, and awareness campaigns about “Eye Donation, to light the life of a blind person” and against social evils. They search for the abandoned and needy and minister to their needs.

For the personality development leading to social and cultural awakening in the youth, the Movement organizes inter-parish activities and competitions such as football tournament, chess tournament, quiz competition, caroms tournament, etc.

Remarkable Deeds:

The Malayalam drama “Kristhuvinde Aaram Thirumurivu” was staged in Kerala loosely based on “The Last Tempation of Christ.” This play was embroiled in a lot of controversy with the advocates of Christianity even taking to the streets to get the play banned. The protest by the KCYM members against the play eventually ruled in favor of banning the play.

The support given by the KCYM members to the protest against the disposal of waste in Laloor, campus politics, persecutions and attacks against the Christian missionaries, and

the awareness about the evils of alcoholism and drug abuse in the community in disparate ways by using street dramas are worth mentioning.

The substantial cost for the functions of the Movement is drawn from the funds contributed by the well wishers of the society, and the funds collected by entertainment shows like movies or dramas organized by the youth members, etc.

It should be noted that the activities of the members of the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement of Aranattuakara and their dedication to the welfare of the society is something that needs admiration, attention, and acceptance.