Forming Young Hearts into Global Missionaries
The Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) is the largest indigenous lay missionary organization in Asia. Established within the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, CML is a vibrant, interactive platform designed for children and youth undergoing faith formation. We aim to take the lessons learned in Catechism and put them into real, compassionate action in the everyday world.
The Four Pillars of Our Slogan
Our movement is anchored by four fundamental values that guide the life of every CML member.
| Pillar | What it Means to Us |
| Love | Reflecting the unconditional, merciful love of Jesus Christ to everyone we meet. |
| Sacrifice | Learning to look beyond our own needs to give generously to those less fortunate. |
| Service | Actively working to build up our parish community and the wider society. |
| Suffering | Patiently carrying our daily crosses, offering up our pains in union with Christ. |
Our Foundation Story
Every great movement starts with a spark. For CML, that spark was ignited in the mid-20th century to fill a critical need in the Indian Catholic Church.
The Official Foundation
CML was officially founded in Bharananganam, Kerala (often called the ‘Lisieux of India’). It was initiated by two visionaries: Rev. Fr. Joseph Maliparampil and layman P. C. Abraham Pallattukunnel (affectionately known as Kunjettan).
The Official Foundation
CML was officially founded in Bharananganam, Kerala (often called the ‘Lisieux of India’). It was initiated by two visionaries: Rev. Fr. Joseph Maliparampil and layman P. C. Abraham Pallattukunnel (affectionately known as Kunjettan).
Official Church Recognition
Recognizing its explosive growth and fruitfulness, the organization received official recognition from the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) in 1977, followed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in 1981.
Core Vision & Mission
Our Prophetic Motto:
“Your own sons, Oh India, will be the heralds of your salvation.”
— Pope Leo XIII
Our organization targets five key goals in the development of Catholic youth:
- Fostering Mission Spirit: Inspiring children to recognize that they are missionaries right now, in their schools and homes.
- Supporting Active Missions: Providing spiritual and material assistance to active missions across the globe through Prayer, Manpower, and Money.
- Vocation Promotion: Cultivating a prayerful environment that encourages young boys and girls to respond to priestly and religious callings.
- Personality Development: Training young leaders by cultivating their public speaking, organizational, and teamwork skills.
Our Heavenly Patrons
Our primary patroness is St. Thérèse of Lisieux (The Little Flower), who spent her cloistered life praying deeply for global missions. Our co-patrons are the great missionary pioneer St. Francis Xavier, the apostle of India St. Thomas, and India’s first native woman saint, St. Alphonsa.
How We Move: Core Parish Activities
We make faith fun and practical. Throughout the year, our CML unit engages in structured events designed to form tightly-knit friendships rooted in Christ.
1.Enrolment & Badging:Every Academic Year.
Children who have received their First Holy Communion are officially welcomed into the League. During a special parish Mass, they receive the official CML badge and take a solemn pledge to live out the CML slogan.
2.Regular Unit Gatherings:Monthly or Bi-Weekly.
Members meet to pray, study the lives of the saints, and participate in interactive seminars. Units are typically divided into smaller teams (e.g., St. Alphonsa Group, St. Thomas Group) to foster teamwork.
3.Faith Action & Charity:Continuous Interventions.
The faith comes alive through real service. Our youth organize food drives, clothing collections, parish bake sales, and fundraisers to directly support remote missionary dioceses.
4.The Annual CML Rally:Yearly Highlight.
Parish units converge for regional or diocesan rallies featuring vibrant parades, Eucharistic adoration, inspirational talks from active field missionaries, and cultural competitions.
Join the Mission!
Is your child ready to grow in faith, leadership, and service? All catechism students who have received Holy Communion are warmly invited to become active members of the Cherupushpa Mission League.
Get in Touch with Our Leadership Team:
- Spiritual Director: [Insert Priest’s Name]
- Animator/Joint Director: [Insert Sister’s/Lay Leader’s Name]
- Unit President (Youth): [Insert Name]
- Unit Secretary (Youth): [Insert Name]
Meetings are held every Saturday after the second Qurbana at Kabarida Pally.