Priest’s presence at RSS event stirs debate in Kerala Catholic Church

Kerala, August 17, 2025: At a time when the Catholic Church in Kerala has been voicing concern over attacks on Christians in central and northern states of India, the participation of a priest from the Pala diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church in an event organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has raised eyebrows.

Father George Nellikunnu Cherivu Purayidom, director of the Care Homes project under the Pala diocese and of the Deepika Friends Club, presided over Shankholi 2025, a student summit jointly organised by the Poonjar, Meenachil and Ramapuram units of the RSS on Friday (15 August).

In his address, Father Purayidom said it was the generation inspired by India’s spiritual heritage and the freedom struggle that had gone on to shape modern India. He urged today’s youth to project the nation’s glory on the world stage by making effective use of organisation and technology.

The keynote address at the summit was delivered by Desheeya Adhyapaka Parishat state vice-president Jigi Mash.

However, the event has already stirred unease within the Catholic Church, particularly in the wake of recent attacks on nuns and priests from Kerala in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, allegedly by Sangh Parivar activists. “This only reflects how sections of the Catholic clergy remain insensitive to the sufferings of their fellow believers in BJP-ruled states,” commented one priest in reaction to Father Purayidom’s participation. The incident has also sparked debates on social media and within the wider Catholic community.

When contacted, Father Purayidom clarified that he had attended the event with the knowledge of Pala Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt. “I decided to attend since the programme was related to Independence Day. I went there on the organisers’ invitation and delivered a speech on the theme of the event. There is no need to misconstrue this in any other way,” he said.

Commenting on the matter, Father Jhoseph Thadathil, Vicar General of the diocese, stated that the priest must have attended in his personal capacity. “The diocese, as a matter of principle, does not interfere in the affairs of any political organisation, nor does it extend support to any. The diocese has nothing to do with the event, even if the said priest attended it,” he clarified.

Source: The Hindu

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