Together in India

Every year we produce an assembly focusing on one of the many overseas projects supported by Mission Together. This year, our CST inspired assembly, focuses on Marialaya, a project – run by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco – that aims to educate and empower vulnerable children in a slum resettlement area, Chennai, India.

Marialaya (which means House of Mary), is located in Kannagi Nagar, a huge slum resettlement area in the densely populated city of Chennai. Housing over 75,000 residents, but with poor access to work, education, utilities and transport, Kannagi Nagar is plagued with crime, violence, and limited life chances. Marialaya offers hope and progression to children and young people through various programmes of support.

Our Together in India assembly highlights some of the programmes offered through Marialaya. In doing so, the assembly evidences how the Religious Sisters and the children they support show us examples of Catholic Social Teaching in action. The assembly is also punctuated with reflection questions and calls to action, to encourage pupils to consider how they can live out Catholic Social Teaching too.

A set of short YouTube CST films accompany this assembly. The films feature children supported by the Sisters and provide personal insight into the impact of Marialaya within the community. The films are followed by short reflection questions, linked scripture, a call to action, and a CST themed prayer.