United States – Fr. Pallithanam: not just honest citizens, but “responsible citizens”

(ANS – New Rochelle) – Later this month, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, who has served as the Salesian Representative at the United Nations (U.N.) for nearly five years, will head back to his home Province in India. Fr. Thomas first arrived in the SUE Province in October 2018. During his time here as the Salesian Representative at the U.N., Fr. Thomas has strengthened the Salesian presence at the U.N. and opened several doors for them. He has worked diligently and passionately to have the Salesians be present at the U.N. in Geneva, Vienna, and various other centers.

“Our work has to be from the bottom-up to connect our work in New York with the work that we Salesians do in the countries we are present,” Fr. Thomas shared. “Policies are like weapons for civilians to demand accountability from the government. Through advocacy, we have our work go back to our 'foot soldiers,' which are the civilians.”

Upon his return to India, Fr. Thomas will serve as an assistant parish priest. He’ll also share his experience in advocacy with young confreres and become involved in next year’s national General Election.

Upon his return to India, Fr. Thomas would like to be active in the Don't Break Your Promise Network. This is the largest civil society coalition in India, and it holds the government accountable. Fr. Thomas hopes to combine his short-term agenda to help Indian democracy with his long-term goal to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom.

"I believe the coming of the Kingdom is the coming of peace and justice," Fr. Thomas exclaimed. "If we unite and get involved as a responsible, civil society, there is something we can do. We can prepare for the coming of the Kingdom as people become willing to stand up for justice and truth."

Today, the Salesians are present in 133 countries. Fr. Thomas would love to empower young Salesians to use global U.N. policies to cultivate peace. "We always say that we should make people, 'Good Christians and honest citizens,' but that’s not enough," he implored. "Let’s have them be 'Good Christians and responsible citizens.' Responsibility goes beyond being honest—and we have a responsibility to question if something is failing. Human rights advocates defend not their rights, but the lives of others. And we can use our advocacy to make our communities and societies better."

Fr. Thomas also encourages young people to examine their beliefs. "Although it’s common for people to stand up and say, 'I believe,' it’s important to ask ourselves, 'What do I really believe in?'" Fr. Thomas implored "Let’s challenge young people to say what it is that they truly believe."

By Julia St. Clair

Related items

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.