Indian Catholic Youth Movement at 91 Toa Payoh Central, Singapore, Singapore 3191193 SG - ICYM’s HISTORY

The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) was formed in 1985. Fr Anthony Pillai (then a seminarian from Malaysia) initiated the formation of the ICYM when he was attached to the Church of the Risen Christ. The ICYM is the first and only Indian catholic youth group in existence till date in Singapore.

In the 1980s, most Indian youths especially the Tamil speaking youths were not involved in any Church activities.  Indian youths attendance in the Tamil Masses in the Church of Risen Christ were dwindling. To encourage Indian youth involvement in the church especially in the Tamil Masses, Fr Anthony Pillai visited Indian catholic homes in Risen Christ parish. The feedback given to him by the youths was that there was no church group for their age.

After the Feast of Our Lady of Velangkani in Sept 1985, youths who attended the Feast were invited to attend a Meet-the-Youth session. About 40 youths attended the session and it was decided that an Indian youth should be formed, thus the Indian Catholic Youth Movement. In Nov/Dec 1985, the first elections were held and office-bearers were elected for a two-year term. Since then, elections have been held every two years. The titles of elected appointments are Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Projects Co-ordinator. Liturgical Co-ordinator is usually appointed based on experience and command of Tamil language.

After Fr. Anthony Pillai left in Dec 1985, ICYM did not have any Spiritual Director until 1996. In 1996, Fr Augustine Joseph (from the Our Lady Star of the Sea) became the Spiritual Director of ICYM.

The members of the ICYM are from all over Singapore i.e. they are from other parishes. Since, this is the only Indian youth group, youths are from other parishes are invited to join ICYM. The average age of members are 17-20 years old even though members age range from 15-33 years.

ICYM is given the task to be fully in-charge of the Liturgy for the Tamil Masses and Our Lady of Velangkani Feast in the Church of Risen Christ. The Lectors and Commentators are from the ICYM. ICYM also prepares the themes and reading for the Feast of Velangkani. Since 1985, ICYM have been working closely with the Indian Catholic Movement (ICM) in organising activities for the Indian Catholics in the Church of Risen Christ.

Over the years, the group has been actively involved in participating and organising church activities e.g. retreats, youth rallies, Christmas carolling, visiting hospice and old folks homes. For the spiritual growth, ICYM members attend talks by priests/well-known speakers, retreats, seminars etc. and also meet fortnightly at members’ homes for Bible-sharing.