For individuals who do not have any knowledge of it as yet, the Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) is a remarkable feature of the Catholic Church that is out there to spread faith in children and young people. It is not a group where long-winded speeches are given, and it is not a group that is served by the “Bored serving” moniker that way too many Catholic organizations suffer under, you know? Instead of all that, yes, it is youth-friendly and adult-friendly, too, and gets right to the business of helping cultivate the seeds of faith in children.
For years now, CML has grown into one of the largest groups of young Catholics doing mission work in India. But this is not simply a story about how big it is. No, in our opinion, the mind-blower here is the spirit behind it, the joy in giving, the way praying has become a habit, and the guts it takes to serve. So, with that said and an intriguing enough intro, let’s now get to know about it a little more, shall we?
What’s This CML Thing, Anyway?
Believe it or not, the Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) began its work way back on October 3, 1947, in Bharananganam, Kerala, not long after India had cast off colonial rule. And for those who don’t have the slightest idea about it all, well, this super-cool association is for Catholic kids and youth (and young at heart), you know, those who want to be involved in mission work. And yeah, it’s not just a Kerala thing anymore, it’s spread all over India, and even popped up outside the country!
The entire concept? Quite uncomplicated, actually. How? Well, the thing is, it revolved around the kids growing up steadfast in their faith and becoming kind of mini-missionaries in their own unique ways. This whole thing was conceived by two amazing individuals such as P.C. Abraham (Kunjettan) and Fr. Joseph Maliparampil. Their grand design had the children praying, working, and more or less being cheerleaders for the Church. And believe us, so far, it has been really spectacular how well it has worked.
The Big WHY Behind CML
Well, at this point, you must be wondering like why was there even a need for CML in the first place, right? Well, here’s the answers to all your WHYs:
- First of all, yes, excite children about performing the work of the Lord, you know?
- This also instructs them to direct the best thoughts and utter the most potent prayers they can muster to those living on the edge in the mission field.
- Push children to ponder, “Could I really be a priest or a nun in the future?”
- Help them level up in faith, kindness, and even leadership skills. So yes, they kinda grow Up Awesome!
All in all, children understand that they can contribute through prayer, assistance, and even some financial support, which CML calls “the three Ps: pray, pitch in, and provide cash.”
Bylaws of CML (Christian Missionary League)
There sure certainly are rules set by the CML that literally every member must follow, and at first, these might sound a bit too strict, but once you pay attention to what they’re trying to achieve, it’ll all make sense. Like:
- Being a Member: You know, anyone can join with a special invitation to parish children and youth.
- Attendance: Well, it is true that members are expected to consistently be present for prayers, gatherings, and events.
- Conduct of Code: All members must abide by the tenets of kindness, respect, and service.
- Meetings of the Group: There sure are regular assemblies for devotion, organization, and mission-related matters, which the members are required to attend.
- Affiliations: For those who don’t know yet, yes, CML sustains its connections with the larger Church bodies such as the KCBC and the Syro Malabar Bishops Council.
Who Runs It All? How’s It All Set Up?
If you’re new to all this, well, you should get to know that CML works inside something called parishes (which are church communities). It’s totally a lay group, meaning it’s run by regular people, just like you and me, and especially kids and youth. So, not priests!
Each group has its own leaders:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Animator
- Organizers
And these are the main members who usually work together with the parish priest, you know, who’s just there to support and guide them about it all.
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