The Capital Area Tamil Catholic Association (CATCA) was proud of organizing the national level celebration of the sainthood of Devasahgayam Pillai on the same day of his canonization – May 15, 2022, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. Tamil Nadu and Tamil community all over the world are indeed blessed by their first holy man and martyr. St. Devasahgayam remains a great witness to his profound and unshakable faith in Christ by shedding his blood. He would not compensate Christian values and principles for anything including wealth, honor, position and even his own life.
St.Devasahgayam is a great model and challenge to every Tamil immigrant living in the Unites States. As Tamil-American-Catholics living and working here in Capital Area, do we prioritize Christ and His values in our lives? Are we willing to witness Jesus, seriously and loyally? Do we consider our Catholic faith as an essential or just a need-based element in our lives? How do we parent our children? Do we parent them by good example as good catholic parents? If our primarily focus is money, achievement, and accomplishment rather than Tamil values and Catholic faith, wouldn’t our children be negatively influenced?
St. Devasahgayam was in prison for three years being tortured and humiliated for his fidelity to Christ. He was shot dead in 1752 by the royal soldiers. St. Devasahgayam is a great example for self-sacrifice, perseverance, and equality against caste system. May saint Devasahgayam Pill inspire us to live a better Catholic life, intercede for us to become holier and ignite our faith to remain always alive and loyal to our Tamil Catholic traditional values and principles.
God bless you all.
Fr.Christy
Spiritual Director, CATCA