Beacon Awards 2026 Honour Faith Formation and Academic Excellence in Chennai

Santhome, February 17, 2026 — The 5th Annual Beacon Awards for the academic year 2025–26 were celebrated on February 14 at the Pastoral Centre, Santhome, bringing together students, educators and church leaders in a recognition of faith-driven living, moral commitment and scholastic achievement.

Organised jointly by the Catechetical Commission and the Archdiocesan Office for Education (CMES) of the Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore, the awards honoured children, teachers and institutions that have distinguished themselves in faith formation and academic performance across parishes and schools of the archdiocese.

Rooted in the Gospel call to stewardship and inspired by the scriptural message, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14), the Beacon Awards recognise individuals and communities who allow faith to guide daily life in educational and social contexts. Awardees from parishes and CMES institutions, accompanied by parents and teachers, reflected the collaborative nature of sustained moral and spiritual formation.

The ceremony was attended by Fr. Peter Thumma, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, along with priests, religious and correspondents from across the archdiocese. Distinguished guests from various professional fields also participated, underscoring the wider societal relevance of values-based education.

Representing the Archbishop, Fr. Antonysamy G.J., Vicar General, commended the initiative and described the Beacon Awards as one of the most significant recognitions within the archdiocese, noting the visible enthusiasm and engagement of both students and parents.

Honours were conferred across parish and school categories. Parish recognitions included exemplary outgoing Class 12 catechism students, dedicated altar servers and committed catechism teachers. In the school sector, awards were presented to students who excelled in Catechism and Value Education examinations, achievers in board examinations, educators who consistently nurtured values, and institutions that secured 100 per cent academic results.

The event also highlighted academic initiatives of the Catechetical Commission, including certification programmes for catechism teachers conducted in collaboration with the University of Madras. Participants who successfully completed the courses were formally recognised, reinforcing the emphasis on structured and professional faith education.

As students received their honours, the ceremony reflected a shared sense of pride and responsibility. The Beacon Awards once again affirmed that faith, when nurtured with vision and consistency, becomes a guiding light that shapes character, strengthens communities and contributes positively to society.

By Mrs. Pauline Rose