1. Introduction [ RC Diocese of Salem ]

Chapter - I
INTRODUCTION
Scope and Objectives of the Study:
The dissertation on “ Roman Catholic Diocese Of Salem – A Study” is an attempt to trace the origin, growth, the various services, the multifarious activities of the diocese and its impact on the social and institutional structure of the society. The spread of Christianity and the selfless services of missionaries made an indelible mark and a tremendous impact on the Tamil society. The traditional Tamil society was a caste-ridden society. The economic disparity, rigid caste system and the denial of educational opportunities to the large section of the people attracted the attention of the missionaries to serve for the sake of the downtrodden and the neglected groups. The early Christian missionaries committed themselves in spreading the gospel as their primary mission work. Besides this, they concentrated more on the protection of human rights, promotion of universal education and strived hard for the uplift of the subaltern group including the women.
Religion plays a predominant role in the life of man. It helps the human beings to lead their daily lives in harmony with themselves and with others and to lead a grace filled life of peace and happiness. Man finds perfect happiness in the Supreme Being, namely God who is the object of all religions of the world. The manifestation of ultimate reality can be seen in ‘History’ as well as in Nature. Keshav Chandra Sen, one of the exponents of spiritual interpretation of history says, “The universe exhibits on all sides marks of design and beauty, adaptation and method. Each object shows God’s handiwork. But God is not manifested in matter alone. There is another revelation. There is God in history. He who created and upholds this vast universe also governs and destines the affairs of nation”.
The impact of Jesus Christ (4 BC – 30 AD) who was born 2000 years ago, on human history is so obvious and enormous. He is the founder of the most influential religion namely Christianity and the Christian church. His disciples spread the gospel in every nook and corner of the world. In the beginning of 17th century Southern Kongunadu a part of Salem District under Madurai Nayakkars accepted Christianity.
One can definitely proclaim on the basic of corroborating evidences that Christianity stepped in to Salem in 1623 due to the tireless efforts of the celebrated Jesuit missionary Fr.Robert De Nobili [1606 -1656] He baptized Ramachandra Naik, the Chieftain of Sendamangalam and also converted an old soldier into Christian faith. This incident marks an epoch making event in the history of spread of Christianity in Salem. Since then this region has seen the presence of many missionaries both of Society of Jesus and of the Paris Foreign Mission as well as of the Diocesan Clergy.
The Diocese of Salem was established on 26th May, 1930 by Pope Pius X1 canonically under the guidance and the painstaking efforts of Missionaries of Paris Foreign Mission Society. The Diocese of Salem was erected initially with 11parishes to cater to the needs of Catholic Community. The legacy and the mission of the missionaries is continued by the Indian brethren. They have built-up solidly on the foundation the missionaries laid, so that the Diocese today can boast of progress in a variety of fields- in the creation of new parishes and churches, institutional expansions and in areas of social apostolate and inter religious dialogue. The Christian community of Salem, though a small minority, has made significant contribution in the spiritual, educational, social and humanitarian fields of national life.
This small community started growing steadily from year to year under the pastoral care and untiring labours of the missionaries and later under the able guidance of Rev. Bishops Henry Prunier (1930 – 1949), V.S. Selvanathar (1949-1974), Michael B.Duraisamy (1974-1999) and S.Singaroyan (2000-).
Few scholars have worked on the various aspects of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salem. Rev.Fr.L.Depigny highlighted the spread of Christianity in Salem region in his work “ The Short History of Spread of Gospel in Salem District”. Rev. Fr. M.S. Joseph attempted to trace the origin of the Diocese with available source materials provided by Fr. L. Depigny in his work “ A Short History Of Salem Diocese.” Mrs. M.Sarojini made an attempt to give a clear account of missionaries and their services in Salem District in her dissertation “Role of Catholic Missionaries in Salem District.” Another scholar Sahaya Mary has traced the History of Salem District with special reference to Infant Jesus Cathedral in her dissertation work entitled “Infant Jesus Cathedral”.
This dissertation on “The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salem - A Study” tries to trace the origin of the diocese and to study its development, structure, administration, and its various forms of ministries namely pastoral, educational, economical and social rehabilitation rendered to the people of Attur, Namakkal and Salem Districts. This dissertation covers overall aspects of the diocese taking into account its vision, mission, challenges and tremendous achievements from 1930 the year in which the Diocese was established upto till date. Since Christianity stepped into this diocese as far back as 1623, an attempt is also made to trace the history of Christianity in this region since 1623. The Diocese of Salem has been holding the pride of place in the region of Tamilnadu. Its laudable services to the people in various spheres in general and its contributions to the growth of Christianity in these parts in particular have amply evidenced from what has been enumerated in the following chapters. However, a detailed study of this multifarious service minded body was found wanting. This dissertation is hoped to fulfill that want.

Sources of Information
Both the primary and the secondary sources have been used for the completion of this study. Of the primary sources used for the study are the “Annual Reports” of various commissions and committees such as Dialogue and Ecumenism, Laity, Family, SC, ST, BC Commissions, Social Service, Education, Youth and Social Communication. The Diocesan New Letters throw more light on the various activities of the Diocese throughout the year. The Reports of Salem Social Service Society highlight the great strides it has made in reaching to the poor and socially backward masses through its various development programmes. The registers and files maintained at Health Care Centres furnish ample facts about massive programmes launched to give relief to the various diseases. The Annual Reports of Leprosy Relief Rural Centre at Settypatty, St. Mary Magdelene Polio Centre at Mathiampatty, St.Mary’s General Hospital at Arisipalayam and other hospitals and dispensaries run by the religious congregations of Salem Diocese provide the vital informations about relief measures taken by the Diocese to ensure medical aid to those downtrodden who suffer from various ailments. The code of cannon law and the documents of Vatican II explain the way of life of the clergy and religious, their powers and function and also their administrative procedures involving the diocese. Newspaper form yet another primary source utilized for the study.
The Catholic Directory of Salem Diocese narrates the various activities of the diocese. The Annual Report of ITI, Schools and other educational institutions explain the several steps initiated by the diocese to give all round development to children, women and youth. The facts and figures found in the primary sources are supported by the secondary sources. They run in volumes and furnish additional information. The souvenirs, school handbooks, calendars, pamphlets, journals, brochure of Epiphany Centre and the Gazetteers form the important secondary sources.
Methodology:
Various types of techniques have been adopted for collecting and analyzing the sources. Apart from gathering data for the study from the various records, interviews were conducted periodically using questionnaire with Directors of various commissions, committees and church officials, heads of various social and religious and educational institutions and the beneficiaries of various educational and social welfare programmes of the Diocese. The interview schedule was prepared and the data analyzed for interpretation. This method helped the researcher to collect required information pertaining to the activities of the diocese.


Chapterization:
This dissertation is classified into 7 chapters. The first chapter describes briefly the aims and objectives of the study undertaken, methodology adopted and the details of chapters. The second chapter deals with the spread of Christianity in Salem. The third chapter enumerates the origin, development and administration of the Salem Diocese.
The various religious services of the diocese and the participation of laity in the developmental activities of the diocese are discussed in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter throws light on the educational services of the diocese. The sixth chapter gives an account of developmental and animational activities of Salem Social Service Society and rehabilitation programmes and medical service and health care centres run by the religious communities for the betterment of the downtrodden.
In the last chapter an attempt is made to analyze the vision, mission, challenges and achievements of the diocese and its impact upon the people with special reference to the findings derived out of the study.