By Matters India Reporter
KOLKATA, April 20, 2026: The Young Christian Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM) India mourns the death of Father M.C. Michael, 86, of Ootty Diocese, who served as National Chaplain from 1983 to 1989.
The eldest brother of Retired Salesian Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati and Salesian Father M.C. George of Dimapur Province, Father Michael is remembered for pioneering animator training and expanding the youth apostolate into Northeast India and Bangladesh.
He died April 19 at age 86. His funeral was held April 20 at St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala, in Kerala’s Kottayam district.
A former professor at Sacred Heart Theological College, Poonamalee, Father Michael succeeded Father Irudayam in 1983 and was followed by Father Vincent Monteiro of Mangalore in 1989. His tenure was marked by a conviction that youth ministry must be rooted in formation and responsibility.
Together with Father K.K. Mathew of Nagpur Diocese, he conducted a landmark workshop for Salesian clerics and youth delegates from Bangladesh, which became a seedbed for YCS/YSM’s expansion in Northeast India and Bangladesh.
Youth leaders recall his ability to listen and empower. “Father Michael believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” one former leader said. Salesian confreres also remember his collaborative spirit. “He opened doors for us to integrate YCS/YSM into our formation,” noted Father C.M. Paul, then YCS Chaplain in the Archdiocese of Calcutta.
Bishop Prakash Sagili of Khammam, National Chaplain from 1995 to 2001, added: “Father Michael impressed me so much for his simplicity, for his hard work, giving utmost importance to the student nature of the movement, its inter-religious character, and communal harmony.
“He truly vibrated the Review of Life methodology. He did face many challenges but bore them all with bravery. Ever smiling, all-embracing, unassuming, and hardworking, even after laying down the office as National Chaplain he continued to accompany the movement, never missing meetings of former chaplains and animators.”
Father Michael’s simplicity, pastoral zeal, and emphasis on dialogue and harmony left a lasting impression. The YCS/YSM community extends condolences to his family, confreres, friends, and the youth whose lives he touched. His passing is a profound loss, but his spirit of service and vision will remain alive in the movement he helped nurture.
(Photo supplied)