Apostolates

The Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) originated from the discussions of the Second Vatican Council in 1965, which emphasized the need for a youth movement for the Church. This was driven by the socio-political conditions of the time, where alternating governments failed to deliver for the community. The idea was that the youth, the backbone of the Church, were the only ones who could voice concerns and fight for justice and equality.

In response to Pope Paul VI's call during the council's closing ceremony, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) formed a Youth Commission in 1966. The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) followed suit in 1967. KCYM declared its unity and held its first Senate meeting at Mannanam K.E. College from December 28, 1978, marking the official launch of the movement.

As the official youth movement of the Kerala Church, KCYM operates under KCBC's Youth Commission and is affiliated with the International Catholic Youth Community (MIJARC) and the All-India Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM).

Members of KCYM (Kerala Catholic Youth Movement) are youth between the ages of 15 and 35.

Patron Saint: St. Thomas More (1477-1535) is the heavenly patron of KCYM.

Motto: "Know, Proclaim, Renew"

In 1986, the year the Diocese of Thamarassery was established, Fr. Mathew Pulimoottil took charge as the first Director of KCYM Thamarassery. In 1988, under the leadership of Adv. Rajesh Mancheri, the first Diocesan Committee came into existence. In January 2022, the annual Senate meeting decided to add SMYM (Syro Malabar Youth Movement) to the organization's name, making it KCYM-SMYM. The organization's official name was thereby established as KCYM-SMYM. The operational style and official responsibilities continue as per the KCYM organization, functioning under the Diocesan KCYM Constitution.

KCYM's 40-year journey in the Diocese of Thamarassery has seen 16 directors, 9 animators, 23 presidents, and 26 general secretaries guide the movement. KCYM upholds values like truth, love, justice, and tolerance.

Diocesan Patron: St. Alphonsa

Objective: The integral development of Catholic youth based on Christian values, and the total liberation of society.

 Flag:

- Red: Symbolizes martyrdom and sacrifice, inspiring youth to shed blood for truth and justice.

- White: Represents purity, innocence, and divine faith.

- Yellow: Signifies patience, Catholic identity, and devotion.

 Emblem:

- The lotus, symbolizing the Diocese of Thamarassery

- The youth and maiden standing amidst the lotus, representing all youth in the Diocese

- The torch held by the youth signifies the mission to spread light in the community

- The dove flying from the youth's hand symbolizes peace and calls youth to be ambassadors of peace worldwide

- The cross held by the maiden represents salvation through Jesus and the faith to uphold.

Motto:"Lead us to the Truth"

Directors:

1. Fr. Mathew Pulimoottil (1986-1991)
2. Fr. James Cherikal (1991-1995)
3. Fr. Varghese Kalathoor (Asst. Director, 1994-1995)
4. Fr. George Chelayakal (1995-1996)
5. Fr. James Kuzhimattathil (1996-1997)
6. Fr. Joseph Pampalani (1998-2000)
7. Fr. Joseph Thekkumkattil (2000-2001)
8. Fr. George Mangalapilly (2001-2003)
9. Fr. Mathew Choorapoykil (2003-2005)
10. Fr. George Kalapurayil (2005-2008)
11. Fr. Thomas Puthiyaparambil (2008-2012)
12. Fr. Subin Kavalamkatt (2012-2014)
13. Fr. Thomas Parankulangara (2014-2017)
14. Fr. Thomas Kalarickal (2017-2018)
15. Fr. George Vellakkkakudiyil (2018-2024)
16. Fr. Jobin Thekkekaramattathil (2024- present)

 Animators:

1. Sr. Rostin FCC (1992-1995)
2. Sr. Mercy SH (2003-2005)
3. Sr. Elizabeth EF (2005-2007)
4. Sr. Jancy Maria FCC (2007-2010)
5. Sr. Alphonsa FCC (2010-2013)
6. Sr. Mariette SD (2013-2017)
7. Sr. Preeti George MSMI (2017-2021)
8. Sr. Sharlet Rose CMC (2021-2023)
9. Sr. Roseen SABS (2023-present)

 Presidents:

1. Adv. Rajesh Mancheril (1988-1991)
2. Mathew T.J. (1992-1994)
3. Manoj V.S. (1995)
4. Sebastian Karippamattom (1996-1998)
5. Santhosh Pattathukuzhi (1999-2000)
6. Premji James (2001)
7. Santhosh Parekkattu (2002-2003)
8. Nelson Palathara (2004)
9. Prince Thalanani (2005)
10. Shaiju Athiramputhuzha (2006)
11. Jomy Chakkittamuriyil (2007)
12. Vinod Kizhakkel (2008)
13. Alfin Kalarickal (2009)
14. Justin Tharappel (2010)
15. Tins Thomas Manjakuzhiyil (2011)
16. Justin Tharappel & Robi Alex Pallithazath (2012)
17. Sandeep Kalapurakkal (2013-2014)
18. Jefin Francis Kunnel (2015-2016)
19. Carol K. John (2016-2017)
20. Soubin Elanjickal (2017-2019)
21. Vishakh Thomas (2019-2021)
22. Abhilash Kudippara (2021-2023)
23. Richald John (2024-present)

 General Secretaries:

1. Lawrence Thanikkal (1997)
2. Sudheep Kodukapally (1998)
3. Thankachan Muringayil (1999)
4. Reji P.S. (2000-2001)
5. Shenny John (2002)
6. Justin Tharappel (2003)
7. Vinod Thomas (2004)
8. Jobi John (2005)
9. Anish Vadakkel (2006)
10. Sajith Nellikkanath (2007)
11. Shijo Mullankuzhiyil & Alfin Sebastian (2008)
12. Anthony Anithottathil & Jomon Mathilakath (2009)
13. Jomon Mathilakath (2010)
14. Roshan Kulathinkal (2011)
15. Jomon Mathilakath & Prince Alaykkal (2012)
16. Prince Thomas Alaykkal (2013)
17. Dias Jose Pannikkottu (2014)
18. Carol K. John (2015)
19. Sandeep Kalapurakkal (2016)
20. Soubin Elanjickal (2016-2017)
21. Thejas Mathew Karukayil (2017-2018)
22. Vishakh Thomas (2018-2019)
23. Abhilash Kudipara (2019-2021)
24. Richald John (2022)
25. Justin Simon (2023)
26. Aleena Mathew (2024-present)