- 20 October, 2026
VELLORE, October 20, 2026: Apostolate in the Modern World (AIM-India) has marked 50 years of affiliation with the International Movement of Apostolate in the Independent Social Milieux (MIAMSI), calling for greater lay participation in the Church’s life and mission, with a focus on human dignity, social solidarity and service to the poor.
The two-day Golden Jubilee celebration was held on October 17 and 18 at Sneha Deepam Retreat Centre in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, with 55 participants representing six AIM-India groups. The gathering combined thanksgiving for the movement’s history with discussions on the responsibilities of laypeople in the Church and wider society.
AIM-India was initiated in 1965 by the late Cardinal Duraisamy Simon Lourdusamy, then auxiliary bishop of Bangalore. It joined MIAMSI at the international movement’s Fourth General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, in 1976.
The Jubilee theme focused on transforming mindsets to uphold human dignity, promote solidarity and strengthen the Church’s preferential option for the poor.
Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry and Cuddalore presided over the opening Eucharistic celebration and called on laypeople to take an active role in evangelisation and social transformation. He released the Golden Jubilee souvenir and presented service awards to ten members of the International Bureau in recognition of their contributions. The recipients also received commemorative mementos and a book of Second Vatican Council documents.
A presentation tracing AIM-India’s development was followed by four sessions in which lay resource persons shared experiences of evangelisation in villages and examined the challenges facing laypeople in contemporary society.
On October 18, Bishop Ambrose Pitchaimuthu of Vellore presided over the Eucharistic celebration, released a prayer card prepared for the movement and honoured former office-bearers for their service.
Fr Merlin Rengith Ambrose, spiritual guide of AIM-India and executive secretary of the Commission for Canon Law and Legislative Texts of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, addressed the gathering on lay participation in the Church’s ministries and decision-making structures.
He also explained proposed amendments to canon law and discussed the rights and responsibilities of the laity. Highlighting the tria munera—the priestly, prophetic and kingly functions of Christ—he called attention to the vocation of all the faithful, through baptism, to contribute to the Church’s mission.
The session explored how this baptismal calling could be expressed through evangelisation, service and social responsibility. Participants also congratulated Fr Merlin on his election as president of the Canon Law Society of India.
The celebration concluded with AIM-India’s Annual General Assembly, which recognised the contributions of its pioneers, former office-bearers and members and reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to the Church’s mission.
As it enters its next phase, AIM-India has pledged to strengthen the lay apostolate and promote a Church more actively engaged in defending human dignity, building solidarity and responding to the needs of the poor. Its Jubilee message summed up the occasion: “With Gratitude for the Past, with Faith in the Present, and with Hope for the Future.”
By S. Lourdusamy, President, AIM-India & P. Rajarathinam, Secretary, AIM-India
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
