Thiruvananthapuram: KRLCC President Bishop Dr. Varghese Chakkalakkal emphasized the need for an ideology that enriches politics, rather than dismissing politics as inherently bad. He made this statement during the inauguration of the plenary leadership conference organized by the Kerala Latin Catholic Association at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School Hall in Thiruvananthapuram, marking Latin Catholic Day.
“We are created in God’s image,” Bishop Chakkalakkal said. “To live as brothers in this nation, we must embrace a broad vision. Our culture is rooted in love, and it is through this love that we must foster a revolution in our lives.” He noted that the Latin Catholic community has made significant contributions across various sectors of society.
The Bishop also expressed appreciation for the KLCA-KRLCC leaders who are collaborating to address the community’s challenges and fulfill its needs. Archbishop Dr. Thomas J. Netto of the Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese, who delivered the benediction address, urged the leaders to reflect on whether the Munambam issue is eroding the secular values of society.
He praised the Latin community for its role as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and for its spirit of cooperation with all sections of society. The Archbishop also critiqued the administrative leadership for focusing only on those with bargaining power, noting that the Latin Catholic community has made enduring contributions to Kerala’s socio-economic landscape. Many members of the community reside in coastal areas, but the authorities, according to the Archbishop, are strategically altering these coastal regions for development purposes.
The leadership meeting began with a prayer by Mon. Jose Navas Puthanpurakkal, and was welcomed by KRLCC Secretary Patrick Michael. Among the attendees were Punalur Bishop Dr. Sylvester Ponnumuthan, Vicar General Mon. Eugene H. Perera, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP, M. Vincent MLA, BJP District President V.V. Rajesh, KRLCC General Secretary Fr. Thomas Tharayil, Vice President Joseph Jude, KLCA State President Sherry J. Thomas, State Treasurer Ratheesh Antony, KLCWA President Shirley Stanley, CASS General Secretary Benny Pappachan, KLM President Babu Thannikode, DCMS State Treasurer Prabaladas, Anglo-Indian Associations State Secretary Hazel D'Cruz, KCYM Latin State General Secretary C.L. Anudas, and others.