Chennai: The St. Mary’s Archdiocesan Prayer Group, functioning under the Madras–Mylapore Archdiocesan Youth Commission, has successfully completed its fifth consecutive year of round-the-clock prayer and annual faith-based initiatives, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of young Catholics to spiritual renewal and unity through prayer.
This year’s spiritual milestone was the 24-hour online rosary devotion, which began at 6 p.m. on October 10 and concluded at 6 p.m. on October 11. The event was organized to strengthen the faith of youth and inspire deeper devotion across the parishes of the Archdiocese. Conducted virtually, the initiative brought together hundreds of young participants who joined in prayer from their homes, creating a vibrant chain of intercession spanning an entire day.
Archbishop George Antonysamy lauded the youth’s dedication and spirit, calling the sustained five-year devotion “a living testament of youthful faith in action.” He praised the prayer group for nurturing a culture of constancy and collective devotion, describing it as “a beacon of renewal that reflects the vitality and faithfulness of the Church’s younger generation.”
Youth from 37 parishes and five special teams across the Archdiocese actively participated in the continuous prayer, which was offered primarily for world peace and the spiritual wellbeing of families. The rosary sessions were accompanied by short reflections, Marian hymns, and intercessory prayers, allowing participants to experience a sense of communion despite physical distances.
The 24-hour devotion culminated with a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Paruthipattu, presided over by Fr. Regan Manuel, with Fr. Ronald Richard, Director of the Youth Commission, concelebrating. The priests commended the youth for their steadfastness and reminded them that in times of uncertainty and distraction, prayer remains a powerful force of transformation.
Over a hundred young faithful attended the closing celebration in person, while many others participated online. The event stood as a testament to how digital platforms, when used for spiritual purposes, can unite communities beyond geographical barriers.
Organizers expressed their hope that this initiative would continue to grow, inspiring more parishes to join in prayer for peace, harmony, and the strengthening of family life. As the Archdiocesan Youth Commission looks forward to another year of faith-driven service, the 24-hour rosary devotion remains a symbol of enduring faith and youth-led evangelization in the Church of Madras–Mylapore.