Kannur: Christians have no inherent loyalty or opposition to any political party, Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany emphasized while inaugurating a leadership workshop organized by the Catholic Congress Thalassery Archdiocese Committee for office bearers from Kannur and Kasaragod districts. He said that the community appreciates good governance and does not hesitate to acknowledge leaders when they act in the public’s interest. Pamplany expressed hope that such workshops would help nurture respected community representatives for the upcoming local body elections.
In his introductory remarks, Global Director Fr. Philip Kaviyil, who raised the Catholic Congress flag, announced that the organization has prepared detailed plans and training modules to guide community members in becoming leaders who serve the broader society. He urged participants to support those who are loyal to the people and to act as politically conscious and responsible citizens.
Archdiocese Chancellor Dr. Joseph Muttath Kunnel called for unity among the faithful, stressing the need to resist divisive forces that sow discord within society. He underlined that both shepherds and the flock must remain vigilant in keeping such elements away.
Delivering the keynote address, Global President Prof. Rajeev Kochuparambil highlighted that similar training initiatives have already been held in dioceses such as Pala, Changanassery, Palakkad, Thamarassery, and Thalassery, achieving notable success. He reiterated that the Congress will continue these programs to build a generation of leaders committed to nation-building through community solidarity.
The workshop saw participation from Global General Secretary Prof. Josukutty J. Oglail, Chemperi Basilica Rector Rev. Dr. George Kanjirakkat, Catholic Congress Foreign Directors Fr. Paul Valloppilly, Fr. Joby Cheruvil, and Fr. Mathew Valavanal, along with Global Vice Presidents Tresa Liz Sebastian and Benny Antony.
The general session was presided over by Archdiocesan President Philip Veliyath. Several community leaders including Jimmy Ayithamattom, Pius Parayidam, Bennichan Mathathinakam, Icy Mary, Shino Parakkal, Tommy Kanayangal, Sijo Kannezhuthu, Johnny Tholampuzha, Thomas Okhalayil, Johnny Thomas Vadakkekkara, and Biju Mandapam also addressed the gathering.
Group discussions were led by prominent members including Biju Ottaplakkal, George Kanattu, Mathew Vallamkottil, Thomas Varghese, Benny John, Joseph Mathew Kaithamattom, Jayson Attarimakal, Jolly Erinjeriyil, Baby Koikkal, Saju Padinjarettu, Saju Puthanpura, Saji Abraham, Adv. Martin Kottaram, and Davis Alangad, among others.
The event underlined the Catholic Congress’s continuing effort to equip its members with the skills and vision to contribute meaningfully to society and politics without partisan bias.