Karumathur, India. The Family Apostolate of the Chennai Province continues to promote the wellbeing of families through pastoral care, awareness programmes, and marriage preparation. Recent initiatives in Karumathur and Virudhunagar focused on family wellbeing, mental health awareness, and preparation for the responsibilities and commitments of Christian marriage.
On 15 August 2026, a Workshop on Family Wellbeing and Mental Health was held at the Claret Church premises in Karumathur for men from Karumathur and nearby areas. The programme sought to raise awareness of the importance of emotional wellbeing and healthy family relationships.
Participants reflected on the challenges families face today, including work-related pressures, financial difficulties, changing lifestyles, and family responsibilities. The workshop encouraged them to recognize the importance of mental health and to take an active and responsible role in fostering supportive relationships within their families.
A Marriage Preparation Class was also held on 13 September 2026 in Virudhunagar in collaboration with the Madurai Diocese. Twenty participants attended the programme, which helped couples prepare for the vocation and responsibilities of married life.
The sessions emphasized mutual love, respect, communication, understanding, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and trust. Participants were encouraged to see Christian marriage as a vocation that calls husband and wife to support one another faithfully in times of joy and difficulty and to build a stable, loving, and faith-filled family.
Through these initiatives, the Family Apostolate continues its commitment to accompanying families through formation, awareness, and pastoral care.
