Bengaluru: The Apostolate in the Modern World (AIM-INDIA), a vibrant Catholic lay movement dedicated to fostering social transformation through faith-inspired living, marked its Diamond Jubilee with a solemn and joyous celebration at Paalana Bhavana, Bengaluru. The event brought together members from across India to commemorate sixty years of commitment to the Gospel and to renew their mission of living faith in the heart of society.
Founded in 1965 by His Eminence Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy, then Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, AIM-INDIA has evolved from a modest local apostolate into a nationally recognised movement. Today, it stands affiliated with MIAMSI (International Movement of Apostolate in the Independent Social Milieus) and enjoys recognition from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life at the Vatican. Over six decades, the movement has embodied the call of Catholic social teaching to bring faith into the realities of everyday life and to transform society through personal renewal and Christian action.
The Diamond Jubilee began with a Eucharistic Thanksgiving Mass, uniting participants in prayerful gratitude for six decades of service and witness. The atmosphere was marked by deep spirituality, joyful reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose. The formal function that followed was both a tribute to the past and a vision statement for the future.
In his address, Mr. Lourdusamy, National President of AIM-INDIA, presented an inspiring overview of the movement’s journey. He recalled its humble beginnings in Bangalore and its gradual expansion across the country, highlighting the consistent thread of “faith in action” that has guided AIM-INDIA through changing times. “Our mission has always been clear to make the Gospel visible in our workplaces, homes, and communities,” he said.
A central highlight of the celebration was the keynote address by Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Secretary of the Canon Law Commission of the CCBI and Professor of Canon Law at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru. Speaking on the theme “Participation of the Laity in the Synodal Church,” Dr. Ambrose reflected on the evolving role of lay people in the life and mission of the Church. Drawing insights from Pope Francis’ Synodal vision, the Magisterium, and the Code of Canon Law, he stressed the vital need for lay participation in discernment, governance, and mission. “The Church is not complete without the active presence of its lay faithful,” he affirmed, calling for deeper collaboration between clergy and laity in building a listening, participatory, and missionary Church.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration also featured the release of two commemorative publications a special Diamond Jubilee bookmark and a pamphlet outlining AIM-INDIA’s Motto, Aims, and Objectives. These publications, rich in history and vision, serve as both keepsakes and guiding tools for future generations of members who will carry forward the mission of the movement.
The event was meticulously coordinated by the National Executive Committee in partnership with the Bangalore unit, ensuring a smooth and meaningful celebration. The gathering reflected a perfect balance of solemn thanksgiving and forward-looking enthusiasm, as members rededicated themselves to the movement’s founding ideals.
Marking six decades of lay apostolate, AIM-INDIA’s Diamond Jubilee stands as a powerful reminder of its enduring mission to integrate faith with life, spirituality with service, and belief with action. Rooted in Gospel values and guided by the teachings of the Church, the movement continues to form Christian witnesses who transform their surroundings through personal conversion and responsible social engagement.
As the celebration concluded, participants left with renewed conviction that faith is not a private sentiment but a living force capable of reshaping communities and inspiring justice, compassion, and peace. For AIM-INDIA, sixty years marks not a conclusion, but a continuation a renewed call to live the Gospel boldly in the modern world.