About Us
All India Catholic Union was established in 1919, registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 and it is the representative of the Catholic Laity, of India with affiliated units nationwide.
AICU is a democratic federation with affiliated Catholic Associations across the Diocese/Districts in India. It is a non political body, and it seeks to represent and strengthen the Catholic Community and country, in the socio-religious, political, and economic fields.
Message from the National President.
Welcome to the official website of the All India Catholic Union.
As we move forward in this digital age, the AICU remains committed to leveraging technology to better serve our community and contribute to our nation's progress. We recognize the immense potential of digital tools to connect, inform, and empower our members across India.
Through this website and our other digital initiatives, we aim to:
1. Enhance communication and collaboration among Catholic communities nationwide
2. Provide timely information on issues affecting our community
3. Facilitate online educational and spiritual resources
4. Coordinate social outreach and charitable efforts more efficiently
5. Amplify our voice on matters of national importance
Our technological endeavors go hand-in-hand with our core mission of promoting the welfare of Catholics in India and contributing to the inclusive development of our diverse nation. We invite you to explore our digital platforms and join us in this journey of faith, service, and progress.
Together, let us harness the power of technology to strengthen our community bonds and build a more harmonious and prosperous India for all.
God bless you, and God bless India.
Elias R. Vaz
National President,
All India Catholic Union
Recent Updates
History
When the first All India Catholic Conference was held in 1919, under the eminent leadership of Prof. A. Soares, F.A.C. Rebello & Prof. C. J. Varkey, plans for the formation of this organization were laid down and in 1930 an organized union of the Catholic Laity the All India Catholic League was formed at a National Level and under it's patronage the first All India Catholic Congress was convened at Pune in 1934.
In 1940, this organized body was named Catholic Union of India and Prof. M. Ratnaswamy, the then Vice - Chancellor, Anna Malai University was the first National President and Prof. A. Soares was the first Secretary General.
In 1966 Catholic Union of India was registered at Chennai, under the Societies Registration Act (Act XXI of 1860). Subsequently the name was changed to All India Catholic Union
Roles Played
AICU is the forerunner in all legitimate causes for Catholics in India. Its prime aim is to protect national, political and social interest and rights of the Catholics. The united strength of the Catholics in India successfully fought under the leadership of Catholic Union of India (CUI) against Niyogi Committee Report, O.P. Tyagi Bill in 1978, Kerala Education Bill. Christmas satyagraha for justice, peace and national integration in 1990, Census awareness campaign in 1991, Dalit Christian Rally in the Capital in 1993 & 1996, litigation relating to the Supreme Court's 50% Minority Institutions Judgement in 1993. A recent cause taken by the Union is equal rights for the Dalit Christians, the Christian Personal Laws, and representation against the atrocities on Churches and Christian Institutions starting with Gajraula and Jogeshwari nuns incident, till date taking place in Orissa, Bihar, UP, MP, Gujarat and various other parts of the Country.
AICU now established a voice and presence with the "powers that be" across the Country. AICU works in the area of Human Rights and social justice. AICU's protests against atrocities on Minorities and Human Rights have been quoted in Parliament during the confidence motion debate in February 1998 and in India Today (August 15, 1998). AICU with the active involvement of CBCI has forged a National Christian Front of all mainline Churches to deal with protection and promotion of rights and interests.
Objectives
The aims and objects of the All India Catholic Union shall be:
- To spread the influence of Catholic ideals and principles in Indian public life through any medium of communication and to promote unity and solidarity among the people of India through Christian endeavour.
- To be the exponent of Catholic opinion and to make representations to authorities and public bodies in all matters affecting Catholics.
- To rouse the civic, social and national consciousness of Catholics, to help them to play a useful and effective part in the public life of the country and to make their full contribution to national unity and welfare.
- To promote unity and solidarity among Catholics of India, inter alia, by promoting the establishment of Catholic Associations/Sabhas/Unions where they do not exist and by co-ordinating their activities.
- To safeguard by all lawful means the legitimate rights, liberties and interest of the Catholic Community particularly those guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
- To promote measures to raise the economic, educational and social condition of Catholics including Catholics and to run or to assist in running economic projects, educational institutions or social welfare schemes.
- To perform works of charity for those in need, irrespective of race, caste, community or creed.
- To take over and manage the assets and properties, if any, belonging to the unregistered society of the Union functioning from the year 1945 or standing in the name of the Union and to continue the management of the affairs assets and properties of the Union as heretofore.
- To hold and manage the assets and properties already acquired by the unregistered Union and to acquire hereafter by purchase, lease, mortgage, loan, gift, grant, legacy, bequest, exchange, right, privilege or otherwise from any person, company, society, government, or institution or any body whatsoever moveable or immovable properties of all description deemed necessary for the objects of the Union and to alienate by way of sale, exchange, hiring out, gift or otherwise the properties of the Union as may be necessary or appropriate for the achievements of the objects of the Union.
- To borrow or raise funds in any manner the Union may think fit.
- To receive any gift, whether money or property, moveable or immoveable, for the fulfilment of the objects of the Union.
- To co-operate with other bodies or societies having similar aim or aims which are not inconsistent with the objects of the Union for the purpose of promoting or achieving the objects of the Union.
- To organize symposium, seminars, regional, national, international conventions and congresses.
- To affiliate itself to other International Catholic Unions and Organisations.
- To do all other things necessary or incidental to carry out the aims and objects of the Union, and
- To devote itself to promote renewal within the Church and foster relationship through dialogue, collaboration and service between the Church and Society in keeping with the spirit, vision, approach, values, policies and programmes of the Second Vatican Council.
Membership
Download the membership details here
Elias Vas
National President
A. Chinappan
National Vice President
Alexander Anthony
Secretary General
Thomas Minz
Honorary Treasurer
Raphael Dsouza
Asst. Vice President -
Administration & Management
Assis Gonsalves
Asst. Vice President -
Financial Management
