The Holy Cross Family Ministries, Province of Tamil Nadu (HCFM-TN), has been actively engaged in promoting the Family Rosary and encouraging family prayer through various initiatives. These activities, considered "Acts of Mercy," aim to support children, youth, and families by fostering prayer, reflection, and community engagement while offering spiritual and emotional care to those in need.
HCFM-TN organized a special program at Holy Cross Matriculation School, Vakkampatti, Dindigul, to help students prepare spiritually for their Board Exams. Rev. Fr. Antony Cheliyan, Assistant Director of HCFM-TN, led the Rosary Rally and celebrated the Holy Eucharist, with participation from 700 students, 40 teachers, and elderly priests. This initiative provided students with encouragement and spiritual strength, helping them approach their exams with confidence and trust in God’s guidance, embodying the act of mercy of comforting and uplifting the anxious.
On March 10, 2025, HCFM-TN conducted a full-day prayer gathering at Our Lady of Angel Church, Diocese of Sivagangai. The event included adoration, a healing service, and Holy Mass. Led by Rev. Fr. Antony Cheliyan, CSC, and attended by over 3,000 faithful from 16 parishes, the event encouraged families to incorporate prayer into their daily lives, promoting unity and faith through shared devotion and reflection. It served as an act of mercy by strengthening family bonds and providing spiritual renewal.
Similarly, a Rosary Rally, healing Adoration, and Holy Eucharist were held on March 1, 2025, at Our Lady of Refuge, Thirumayam. The event was led by Fr. Alex Arockiasamy, Director of HCFM-TN, and Fr. Vijaykanth, with the homily given by Fr. Alex. Around 700 people actively participated. Through prayer and adoration, the event provided hope, guidance, and encouragement—fostering peace and community as an act of mercy.
These activities demonstrate acts of mercy by providing spiritual guidance, helping children and families deepen their faith; supporting mental and emotional well-being, particularly among students; promoting family and community bonding through shared spiritual experiences; and encouraging reflection and renewal through adoration, confession, and faith-sharing.
Through these initiatives, HCFM-TN continues its mission of strengthening faith and promoting prayer, offering meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, connection, hope, and devotion for individuals and families alike.
Fr. Alex Arockiasamy, CSC, PhD
Director of HCFM- TN
Spiritual preparation for Board Exams at Holy Cross Matriculation School, Vakkampatti.
Adoration, healing service, and Holy Mass held in the Diocese of Sivagangai.
Full-day community prayer retreat held at Our Lady of Angel Church in the Diocese of Sivagangai.
Rosary Rally, healing Adoration, and Holy Eucharist at Our Lady of Refuge, Thirumayam.
Celebrating the Jubilee Year: A Parish United in Faith and Hope
The Family Renewal Program commenced with a warm welcome by the Parish Priest, followed by an introduction of participants by Parish Council Secretary, Mr. Roitua Darlong. Rev. Fr. Leenus VC animated the gathering through praise and worship, then delved into the central theme—Jubilee Year 25, inspired by the Pope’s call for all Catholics to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” This was followed by the Holy Rosary and an evening of devotional singing, Kirtan, and Zoikowm, concluding the day at 9:45 PM.
The second day opened with Morning Prayer, after which Fr. Leenus continued his reflection, urging families to pray together and to recite the family Rosary daily. The day deepened in spirituality with Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, supported by several neighboring priests. At noon, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated. In the afternoon, Fr. Lancy D'Silva, C.S.C. offered a session on Fr. Patrick Peyton CSC and the power of the Rosary, followed by group discussions and village reports. A Marian procession and candle-lit Rosary in the evening unified hearts in prayer. The day ended with cultural performances and competitions, celebrating the community’s rich talents.
On Sunday, January 26—Republic Day—the celebration began with the unfurling of the National Flag. At 9:00 AM, the community joyfully welcomed Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore and Bishop Lumen Monteiro. A solemn Eucharistic celebration marked the official inauguration of the Jubilee Year. In his homily, Bishop Lumen emphasized the need for family prayer and becoming a beacon of hope to others.
These three days were a powerful experience of faith, community, and cultural richness. Participants expressed deep gratitude to the Organizing Committee and Parish Council for their unwavering dedication and service.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore and Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala attend the official inauguration of Jubilee Year 25 during the Family Renewal Program – January 26, 2025.
In March 2025, over 100 Gen Z and Alpha students came together in Nyapin, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India, for a vibrant three-day program centered on the theme "Nothing is impossible with God." It was a joyful and faith-filled gathering of young hearts seeking inspiration, connection, and spiritual growth. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Altar Servers Annual Gathering
Students came together in Nyapin, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India for the three-day program "Nothing is impossible with God."
In a world often overshadowed by despair, acts of mercy shine as beacons of hope—illuminating the path for those in need. The story of Mr. Appu Belavance is a touching reminder of how compassion and kindness can transform lives, restoring faith and renewing dreams in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Mr. Appu’s journey began with hope and determination. A man of deep faith and unwavering kindness, he left his native Kerala with his wife to build a better future for their family. They first settled in Bangalore and later moved to Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, working tirelessly to support their four children. Every penny they earned was invested in their children’s education—and their sacrifices bore fruit. Their children grew into accomplished individuals: the first became a nurse, the second a science teacher, the third a priest, and the fourth a lab assistant. Mr. Appu was also blessed with five grandchildren. The family thrived in an atmosphere of warmth, discipline, and faith. Daily Rosary prayer was the cornerstone of their home, and he became a role model for his grandchildren, embodying the values of hard work, love, and deep spirituality.
However, March 3, 2024, marked a tragic turning point. Just after turning seventy, Mr. Appu suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away before medical help could arrive. The news reached his grandson Melvin, a student at St. Joseph University in Bangalore, in a heart-wrenching phone call. Melvin, who shared an unbreakable bond with his grandfather, was devastated.
The family’s grief deepened two months later when another phone call delivered more bad news: Melvin’s father had been diagnosed with tongue and throat cancer. Pain and sorrow engulfed the family. Soon after, Melvin’s beloved grandmother suffered a brain stroke, leaving her paralyzed and unable to speak. The family, stunned by the rapid succession of tragedies, struggled to understand God's will in their suffering.
With no savings and no income, Melvin’s mother became the sole caretaker for both her ailing husband and paralyzed mother. In September 2024, a second stroke took Melvin’s grandmother to her eternal rest, marking the loss of three family pillars in just six months.
The family’s dreams began to collapse. Melvin, the eldest grandchild, was advised to drop out of school and support the family. To make matters worse, his first-year university results were withheld due to unpaid tuition fees. Their future seemed hopeless.
But in their darkest hour, an act of mercy brought a glimmer of light. Recognizing the gravity of the family’s situation, compassionate individuals stepped in. Arrangements were made to cover Melvin’s tuition fees, food, and accommodation in Bangalore. This timely help was nothing short of a miracle for Appu’s family—a divine intervention that reaffirmed their faith in God's providence.
This act of mercy was not just practical support; it rekindled their hope. The family saw it as a sign that God had not abandoned them, even in their suffering. Melvin’s ability to continue his education became a symbol of resilience and a powerful testimony to the transformative power of compassion.
The story of Mr. Appu Belavance’s family is a compelling reminder of how small acts of kindness can uplift those in despair. In their trials, they encountered the healing grace of mercy, enabling them to continue their journey as pilgrims of hope. Though their faith was tested, it remained unshaken. They drew strength from the belief that God works through the hands of those who extend love and support.
As we reflect on their story, may we remember that in a world filled with suffering, we are all called to be instruments of God’s mercy—bringing hope to the hopeless, and light to those in darkness.
Fr. Joyson John Barboza, C.S.C.
In addition, a one-day program was organized by HCFM South India Ministry Center for the deaf community in Kerala. The event provided a meaningful space for spiritual enrichment, inclusion, and connection, reflecting the mission to serve all families with love and compassion.
At the Peyton Institute for Families, media ministry is more than communication—it is a modern expression of the Spiritual Works of Mercy, reaching families where they are and offering hope, healing, and faith-based support. Through a variety of digital initiatives, the Institute is actively responding to the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families, particularly those facing personal and relational challenges.
One of the most impactful efforts has been the production and sharing of recorded group therapy sessions. These sessions serve as a vital resource for families dealing with adversity, providing practical guidance, emotional encouragement, and spiritual reassurance. By helping individuals navigate life’s difficulties with grace and resilience, the ministry fulfills the call to comfort the afflicted and counsel the doubtful—two key acts of mercy.
Another key initiative is the “Vox Pop on Families” video series. These short, engaging interviews capture the perspectives of youth on family life and relationships. By encouraging reflection and positive dialogue, the series offers an opportunity to instruct and affirm the value of family bonds, helping individuals appreciate the spiritual significance of their daily lives.
Furthermore, the Institute's promotional video serves as an accessible entry point for new audiences, introducing them to a faith-rooted vision of family support. The content reinforces HCFM’s mission of serving the spiritual and emotional needs of families, especially those disconnected from traditional pastoral care.
By offering faith-centered, accessible media content, the Peyton Institute’s media ministry fulfills the essence of mercy in a modern context—offering light, guidance, and strength to families in need. Through these initiatives, the Institute is not only spreading awareness but also embodying the healing presence of Christ in the domestic Church.