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Maraikalvi Naal - Catechism Day - Faith Fiesta of Deepagam
Chennai Salesian Province Hosts 'Faith Fiesta 2026,' Uniting Nearly 1,000 Children in a Celebration of Faith
1 February 2026
News written by: INM
The Chennai Salesian Province celebrated Faith Fiesta (Maraikalvi Naal) 2025–26, a vibrant children’s convention organized by Deepagam, the Don Bosco Catechetical Center for Faith Formation and Value Education, at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School. The day-long programme brought together nearly 1,000 children from the four regions of the Province—Tirupattur, Pondicherry, Vellore, and Chennai—for prayer, learning, creativity, and fellowship.
The celebration was officiated by Most Rev. Dr. A. M. Chinappa, Archbishop Emeritus, in the presence of Fr. John Alexander, Fr. John Christy, and Fr. Jesudoss Periyanayagam. Their pastoral presence animated the gathering in the spirit of Valdocco.
The primary objective of Faith Fiesta was to help young people be rooted in the Word of God, internalize Gospel values, and live their faith through action by nurturing God-given talents. Rooted in Don Bosco’s vision, the convention aimed to unite children, teachers, and Salesians in a shared journey of faith, fostering joy, confidence, and co-responsibility.
The event also marked Deepagam’s Catechetical Day. Addressing the gathering, Fr. Jesudoss Periyanayagam said that a Salesian school must be “a home, a playground, and a church,” emphasizing that its goal is to form children into “good and happy Christian students.” In his address, Archbishop Emeritus Chinappa appreciated Fr. Jesudoss for his zeal and underlined the importance of catechism in Salesian schools, noting that faith education is their distinctive mission.
Sharing experiences from the year’s school animations, Ms. Sasi, a teacher from St. Mary’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Chennai, and a student from Pannur testified to the impact of Deepagam’s ministry, describing it as a source of spiritual rootedness and enthusiasm for faith.
Fr. John Alexander formally declared the event open, recalling the centrality of catechism in Salesian education. A highlight of the day was the launch of the “Friends of Jesus” Club for schoolchildren, aimed at fostering a personal relationship with Christ from an early age. The programme continued with competitions in singing, dance, and Bible quiz, reflecting the Salesian educative approach through creativity and active participation.
The valedictory session honoured former Deepagam Directors, Fr. Kirubagaran SDB and Fr. Clement SDB, as well as the principals of Salesian institutions, for their enduring contributions. Another milestone was the inauguration of the “SALT and LIGHT Clubs” for youth in higher educational institutions, initiated by Fr. John Christy, entrusting young people with the mission of being signs and bearers of God’s love.
Deepagam expressed gratitude to Prof. Devanesan, the event sponsor, and Mrs. Pauline Rose, Salesian lay collaborator and coordinator of the Faith Fiesta, for their dedicated service to the catechetical mission.
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