SANTHOME, CHENNAI: January 29, 2026: Deepagam, the Don Bosco Catechetical Center for Faith Formation and Value Education of Salesians of Chennai Province has conducted the Faith Fiesta (Maraikalvi Naal) 2025–26 on 29th January 2026 at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Santhome, Chennai. The celebration was officiated by Most Rev. Dr. A. M. Chinappa SDB in the presence of Rev. Fr. John Alexander SDB, Vice Provincial – INM, Rev. Fr. John Christy SDB, and Rev. Fr. Jesudoss Periyanayagam SDB whose pastoral presence animated the gathering in the spirit of Valdocco. Nearly 1000 schoolchildren assembled for the inaugural session of the day.

The primary objective of the event is to help the young hearts be rooted in the Word of God, internalize, and live the gospel in their day-to-day lives by building gospel-valued capacities for actions through their God-endowed skills. After yearlong preparation with singing, dance, Bible quiz, and poster contests, the best-performing students were congregated for the Faith Fiesta (Maraikalvi Naal – Catechism Day) at St. Bede’s Santhome, Chennai.

The event brought together nearly 1,000 children from the four regions of the Chennai Salesian Province - Tirupattur, Pondicherry, Vellore, and Chennai. Their lively participation filled the auditorium with youthful energy, joy, and faith, transforming the gathering into a Salesian experience where children are active protagonists of the family celebration.

The children's convention was also aimed to unite children, teachers, and Salesians from all regions in a shared journey of faith. Rooted in Don Bosco’s vision, the day affirmed the call to nurture young people who are deeply rooted in Christ and radiant in spirit, living their faith with joy, confidence, and co-responsibility.

This grand finale also marked a historic moment as Deepagam’s Catechetical Day, the first-ever celebration. Conceived as an event of encounter and communion, the program was purposed to form the school children as young apostles who will proclaim the Gospel values through God-gifted talents such as singing, dancing, and poster-making skills, along with profound scriptural knowledge for school children.

The program began with a welcome address by Rev. Fr. Jesudoss Perianayagam, SDB (Director, Deepagam). He said, “The natural traits of a Salesian school must be a home, a playground, and a church. The goal of the Salesian school is to make the children into holy persons.” He called on every child to be a good and happy Christian student.

After lighting the culturally ceremonial lamp and visual prayer song, the enthusing moment was followed by a solemn flag-bearing ceremony, in which the flags of Deepagam and Faith Fiesta were carried in procession to the dais, symbolizing shared mission, belongingness, and Catholic identity.

Most Rev. Dr. A. M. Chinnapa, SDB (Archbishop Emeritus), in his address as Chief Guest, appreciated Fr. Jesudoss, saying, “He is a man of encouragement and zeal for Deepagam.” He also said, “Catechism must be taught in the school, and the specialty of the Salesian school is imparting faith education (to children).” Archbishop Emeritus drew the school students’ attention to loving God as He ever loves us, and we must reciprocate His love for us.

Ms. Sasi (a teacher from St. Mary's AI HSS, Chennai) and a student from Pannur positively shared experiences of school animations led by Mrs. Pauline Rose during the year. “Deepagam ministry helped us to be deeply rooted in the Spirit,” the teacher said. The student appreciated the animations and thanked Deepagam ‘for setting their hearts on fire for God’.

Fr. John Alexander, SDB, reiterated what the Archbishop Emeritus had exhorted the Salesian educative communities to do. “The school that doesn’t teach catechism can’t be a Salesian school.” He recalled his early years and observed that “the catechetical center (i.e., Deepagam) is having a relay race.” Following his brief address, Fr. Vice-Provincial formally declared the event open.

This one-day event is to form young apostles who proclaim Gospel values through their God-given talents. These competitions were to give schoolchildren the chance to exhibit their natural capacities that can be rooted in scripture, helping them internalize and live the Good News.

A highlight of the day was the formal launching of the “Friends of Jesus” club for schoolchildren, an initiative to foster a loving and personal relationship with Jesus from one’s school age.

The inaugural session was followed by the finale competitions in singing, dance, and Bible quiz, which reflected the educative way of the Salesians through creativity, expression, and active participation.

The school winners from the regional competitions came together at the provincial level, showcasing their performances marked not only by distinctiveness, but also by enthusiasm, teamwork, and joy.

The celebration also featured a poster contest, open to students of all faith traditions, under the themes “Faith in Action” for Christian students and “Values in Action” for students of other faiths. School children produced creative catechetical content in the form of posters with topics like stewardship of creation, gospel values in action, and so on. This catechetical drive reflected the Salesian commitment to inclusive education and value formation, encouraging our young people to inculcate and translate faith and values into daily life. All the winners were recognized and awarded during the valedictory function.

On conclusion of the competitive events, the valedictory function commenced with a moment of gratitude and remembrance, during which the former directors of Deepagam, namely, Rev. Fr. Kirubagaran SDB and Rev. Fr. Clement SDB, along with principals of Salesian educational institutions, were felicitated for their pastoral service and far-sighted direction. Their contributions were acknowledged as seeds sown in the past that continue to bear fruit in the present mission of Deepagam.

An important milestone during this day (at the valedictory session) was the formal inauguration of Deepagam’s “SALT and LIGHT clubs” for the youth of higher educational institutions in the Chennai Province. The members who volunteered in organizing the event carried the club’s flag in a gracious ceremony, expressing their readiness to serve with generosity and responsibility. The flag was formally handed over to Rev. Fr. John Christy SDB (Youth Ministry Delegate), who initiated the SALT and LIGHT Club by entrusting the youth with the Salesian mission of being signs and bearers of God’s love among their peers and in society.

Prof. Devanesan (member, Education to Faith Commission, INM) was felicitated for his contribution to SALT and LIGHT Clubs and his continued support of Deepagam’s initiatives. Prof. Devanesan asked the children, “To grow in faith and learn to lead a meaningful life from childhood”; He observed that this Catechism Day’s children were adeptly participating with zeal, ardor, and a sense of joy. He concluded his message, saying, “Catechism must be for all.” Also, he wished for the children to become achievers for the Church and the State in the future. Ms. Vimala (singing competition judge) said, “I see dynamic children who are capable of inspiring us adults.”

During the valedictory session, Rev. Fr. John Christy was nostalgic about a 1982 dream that was sown and that is bearing fruit as Deepagam for nearly 40+ years. “Deepagam’s important ministry is evangelization,” he said. “Children too must take part in the evangelization. And this is possible through five-ways of actions by children: namely, 1) Doing daily duties, 2) Celebrating life with joy, 3) Growing in friendship with Jesus, 4) Being guided by the Church and being profound in Marian devotion, 5) Growing as a responsible citizen. If a schoolchild follows this, he/she will grow in holiness.”

The Maraikalvi Naal (‘Catechism Day’) concluded with the presentation of winner trophies to schools. As the celebration came to a close, the children departed with joyful hearts, cherished memories, and a renewed commitment to live out today’s theme: “Rooted in Christ and Radiant in Spirit.”

During the felicitation, the celebrants also honored longtime Deepagam staff members - Mr. Santo Andrew, Mr. Issac, and Mrs. Gabriel Mary for their 25+ years of dedicated service, acknowledging their loyalty, simplicity, and perseverance in the Deepagam’s catechetical ministry.

Deepagam acknowledges with gratitude Prof. Devanesan, who sponsored the event, and Mrs. Pauline Rose (Education to Faith Commission member and Salesian Lay Collaborator), who organized and coordinated the entire Maraikalvi Naal (Faith Fiesta), for their tireless contributions to the mission of Deepagam.

The Deepagam Faith Fiesta 2025–26 Celebration stands as a living expression of the Salesian charism - a celebration of faith, youth, exuberant joy, and graceful hope for the better future of our younger generation.

Watch Dance Competition || Watch Singing Competition