Cherupushpam
Mission League

Cherupushpa Mission League (CML): A Mission Rooted in Faith and Love

In the years that followed India’s independence, the Catholic Church in the country faced a new and challenging reality. As foreign missionaries began to retire or return to their home countries, a vacuum began to emerge — a scarcity of dedicated personnel to continue the vital mission work that had once been so vibrant. It was during this period of uncertainty and change that a divine spark was kindled in the hearts of two devoted visionaries: Mr. P.C. Abraham Pallattukunnel, affectionately known as Kunjettan, and Rev. Fr. Joseph Malipparambil.

Inspired by the prophetic words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII, who declared, “Filii tui India, administri tibi salutis” (“The salvation of India is in her sons itself”), these two pioneers envisioned a homegrown spiritual movement. Their goal was to inspire the youth of India to rise up as missionaries in their own land — carrying forward the torch of evangelization with courage, love, and commitment.

On the 3rd of October, 1947, in Bharananganam, the Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) was officially inaugurated under the guidance of Mar Thomas Tharayil, then Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Kottayam. What started as a modest, local initiative soon blossomed into a vibrant, far-reaching movement — one that continues to inspire and transform the lives of countless children and youth across India.

At its core, CML is a pious apostolic organization for Catholic children and youth, dedicated to nurturing a strong missionary spirit and deepening personal faith. All catechism students who have received their First Holy Communion are welcomed as active members, forming a spiritual family bound together by prayer, service, and shared purpose.

The name "Cherupushpa" — meaning “Little Flower” — reflects the League’s deep spiritual connection to its Heavenly Patroness, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, lovingly known as the Little Flower of Jesus. St. Thérèse’s profound spirituality, marked by simplicity, humility, and a burning love for Christ, serves as the guiding light for all members of the League. Her belief in doing small things with great love continues to inspire the daily lives of young missionaries who walk in her footsteps.

In addition to St. Thérèse, the League also looks to its co-patrons for strength and inspiration — St. Thomas the Apostle, the great missionary who first brought the Gospel to Indian soil; St. Francis Xavier, the tireless evangelist of the East; and St. Alphonsa, India’s first woman saint, who taught the value of silent suffering and unwavering faith.

CML is built on the four foundational pillars expressed in its slogan:Love, Sacrifice, Service, and Suffering. These values are not mere words but living principles that shape the character and mission of every member. Through regular prayer, participation in liturgical life, acts of charity, and community service, young members are encouraged to live out their faith in tangible and transformative ways.

The motto of the League — “Thy Sons, O India, will be thy salvation” — serves as both a reminder and a call to action. It emphasizes that the future of the Church and the spread of the Gospel in India lie in the hands of its own faithful, particularly the youth.

CML also aims to foster and promote religious vocations, encouraging its members to consider lives of consecrated service in the Church. It supports missionaries through prayer, manpower, and financial aid, playing a vital role in the Church’s evangelizing mission. At the same time, it prioritizes the personal and spiritual development of each member, helping young people grow into compassionate leaders, active parishioners, and responsible citizens.

Today, the Cherupushpa Mission League stands as a vibrant, indigenous movement, full of life, joy, and purpose. Its programs and activities are designed not only to educate and inspire but also to create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of its young members. CML teaches that one need not do extraordinary things to be a missionary — even small acts of kindness and moments of sincere prayer can change the world.

We warmly invite all children and youth to join this beautiful journey of faith. Together, let us grow in holiness, strengthen our commitment to the Church, and carry the light of Christ to every corner of the world.

Let us be torchbearers of His love, as we continue to write new chapters in the inspiring legacy of the Cherupushpa Mission League.