A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

Father Paul Raj, a diocesan priest from Chingleput Diocese in India will be making a mission appeal for his diocese in India on July 11-12, 2026 at the Tri-Parish communities, of Ss. Mary & Joseph, Carlinville, IL, Ss. Simon & Jude, Gillespie & St. Joseph, Benld.

The purpose of this mission is to promote education among the poor children in this diocese. Christianity is India's third-largest religion with approximately 30 million followers, constituting 3% of India's population. Around 70% of Christians in this diocese are Dalits, a marginalized group without any rights or power. Dalits are formerly known as ‘Outcaste or Untouchables’ under the caste system in some parts of India. For centuries, they have been deprived of education, human dignity, & equal opportunity.

Due to poverty, these Christian children are unable to continue their schooling & end up working in restaurants, tea shops, brick kilns, hazardous firework factories, & weaving factories. They are robbed of their beautiful childhoods & bright futures.

In this painful context, our Bishop, A. Neethinathan, Bishop of Chingleput Diocese makes this appeal in seeking your support & prayers. Your generosity through this mission appeal can help our children return to school & enjoy their childhood. You can surely prevent many children from child labor, child trafficking & child migration. Your contribution will be used to pay school fees, books, & uniforms. For more information please visit Home - Dalit Solidarity.

Thank you and may God richly bless you for answering God’s greatest commandment -- to love. 

Fr. Paul Raj