The Centre for Catechesis is known as Suvara. It coordinates all the children’s faith formation activities in the Eparchy. This department is headed by the director, who is assisted by a team of priests, religious, and laypeople. The Eparchy is divided into thirteen catechetical Foranes, each guided by a priest director (Forane Director) assisted by a Forane secretary and a team of faith formators (Catechism teachers). There are regular religious instruction and faith formation programmes every Sunday for children aged 4 to 17.
Uthanothsavam: an integral and intensive 5-day formation for catechetical students during Catechists ’ Convention with various Teachers.
BTC & CTC Course: Catechists’ Training Course
HDC: Teachers’ Diploma Course
Teachers’ Seminar: A one-day seminar based on the year’s theme.
Teachers’ Quiz based on specific topics.
Lifeline: A two-day orientation programme for the children of Std VIII.
Director Suvara:
Rev. Dr Thomas Valanmanal
Office Secretary:
Sr. Vandana CMC
Regent:
Br.
CML office staff & online assistance:
Mrs. Jessy Jiji
Office Assistant:
Pastoral Centre, PB No 22
Kanjirapally – 686507
+91 8547547317
+91 4828 205666
YouTube Channel: SUVARA EPARCHY OF KANJIRAPALLY
Facebook Page: Suvara Catechism Kanjirapally
The theme of the Catechetical Year 2026–2027, “You Are the Light of the World” (Mt 5:14), is a call to every baptised Christian to receive the light of Christ and become a radiant witness of the Gospel in the contemporary world. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World (Jn 8:12), shares His light with His disciples and entrusts them with the mission of illuminating the world through faith, holiness, charity, and truth.
In an age marked by secularism, moral confusion, materialism, loneliness, and the weakening of faith, the Church is called to form believers who shine with the light of Christ and become signs of hope in society. Catechesis, therefore, is not merely the transmission of religious knowledge but a process of discipleship that leads believers to encounter Christ, participate in the life of the Church, and become missionary witnesses of the Gospel.
The Second Vatican Council teaches that Christ is “the Light of Nations” (Lumen Gentium, 1), and the Church exists to reflect His light to the world. Through catechesis, believers are invited to deepen their communion with Christ and participate in the Church’s mission of evangelisation. As Pope Francis reminds us, every Christian is called to be a missionary disciple who brings the joy and light of the Gospel to others (Evangelii Gaudium, 120).
The Fathers of the Church consistently taught that Christians are called to reflect the light they receive from Christ.
St. Augustine explains that Christ is the source of light, while Christians become light by participating in Him:
“The Lord Himself is the Light; we are light in Him.”
For Augustine, the disciple shines not by personal merit but by living in union with Christ.
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on Matthew 5:14, teaches that Christians are placed in the world as lamps whose lives must visibly proclaim the Gospel:
“Nothing is colder than a Christian who does not care for the salvation of others.”
Thus, Christian witness is inseparable from the mission of evangelisation.
St. Gregory of Nazianzus exhorts believers:
“Become light, and you will enlighten others.”
The Christian vocation is not merely to possess faith but to radiate it through holiness and service.
In the Syriac tradition, St. Ephrem the Syrian presents Christ as the Sun of Justice whose light dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance. Those who follow Christ become bearers of His divine light and instruments of renewal in the world.
The General Directory for Catechesis teaches that the definitive aim of catechesis is to place people “not only in touch but in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ” (GDC, 80). Through this communion, believers are transformed into authentic witnesses who reflect Christ’s light in every dimension of life.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church further teaches:
“The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends” (CCC 25).
Therefore, catechesis must lead to a living faith expressed through love, service, and missionary commitment.
The Diocese launches the LIGHT Mobile Application to strengthen digital faith formation. Through catechetical resources, prayer materials, videos, and interactive learning tools, the faithful are invited to carry the light of Christ into the digital world.
Inspired by the teaching of Pope Francis in Lumen Fidei, this gathering seeks to renew and strengthen catechists and faith formators in their vocation as witnesses of Christ’s light.
This initiative helps young people view life through the eyes of Christ, enabling them to respond to contemporary challenges with faith, wisdom, and moral responsibility.
Inspired by Acts 1:8, this programme forms young Catholics to become courageous witnesses of the Gospel in their educational institutions, workplaces, families, and society.
Recognising the family as the “domestic Church” (Lumen Gentium, 11), special emphasis is given to nurturing faith within families through prayer, Scripture, and sacramental life.
Through Suvara and other communication platforms, the Diocese seeks to spread the Gospel through contemporary channels, bringing the light of Christ to the digital continent.
Faith formation is a lifelong journey. Following the vision of integral catechesis, programmes will be offered for every stage of life so that believers may continually grow in holiness and discipleship.
The mission of the Catechetical Year 2026–2027 is:
To form Christ-centred disciples who receive the Light of Christ, grow in communion with Him, and become radiant witnesses of the Gospel in the Church and the world.
“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
“Shine with Christ, Illuminate the World.”
