Parish Life
Don Bosco Youth
"Do good while you still have time. Walk with your feet on the earth, but in your heart be in heaven." — Saint John Bosco
We are the youth group (ages 17–35) of the Sri Lankan Catholic Tamil Chaplaincy of France.
Like many Catholic youth groups across France, our deepest desire is to live out and share the Word of God.
Our unique mission: To bring together French-Tamil youth, helping them grow in their faith while preserving that precious bond between Tamil culture and the Catholic faith.
What we do
- Times of Prayer & Bible Sharing: Deepening our spiritual journey together.
- Solidarity & Outreach: Street ministries (maraudes), donations, and community mutual aid.
- Fellowship & Social Events: Building strong, fraternal friendships.
- Creative Projects: Expressing our faith through media, music, video, and event planning.
In the spirit of Saint John Bosco, our patron saint, we offer a simple and welcoming space to grow in Christ, discern your vocation, and thrive both humanly and spiritually.
Want to join or learn more about us? Send us a message via Instagram.
And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports us!
May God bless you. 🙏🏽
Faith in Action: Don Bosco Youth Humanitarian Mission to Sri Lanka (July 2026)
From July 15 to July 29, 2026, 15 young members of the French-Tamil diaspora embarked on a two-week humanitarian mission across their ancestral homeland. Spiritually accompanied by chaplain Father Mathan, the Don Bosco Youth transformed faith into action, bringing direct relief, fellowship, and hope to vulnerable communities across the Northern Province.
Grassroots Solidarity in Motion
Financed entirely through community generosity in France—including a dedicated HelloAsso campaign and local parish collections—the initiative funded supplies transported directly from Paris as well as large-scale wholesale purchases of essentials within Sri Lanka.
The mission encompassed a focused itinerary across Jaffna, Mullaithivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Vavuniya, beginning with visits to historic landmarks such as St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Patrick’s College in Jaffna, alongside a solemn moment of prayer and remembrance at the Mullivaikkal Memorial.
Humanitarian Outreach on the Ground
- Educational Support: Distributed complete school packs—including notebooks, geometry sets, and essential stationery—to hundreds of students in Kilinochchi (including KN/Iyanarpuram G.T.M. School in Vannerikkulam), as well as educational materials to minor seminarians in Jaffna.
- Special Needs Care: Organized interactive games, recreational activities, and gifts for children at the specialized school in Mullaithivu, alongside substantial financial and material assistance to the VAROD center in Vavuniya to support persons with disabilities and those impacted by the war.
- Orphan & Child Welfare: Delivered daily provisions, toys, and financial aid to the orphanage in Kilinochchi.
- Elderly Dignity: Provided hygiene kits, medical supplies, and adult diapers to elder care homes in Jaffna—including retired Oblate (OMI) priests—and Mannar.
- Rehabilitation Outreach: Supported patients at the Mannar Detoxification Center with traditional garments (sarams) and daily hygiene essentials to aid their recovery journey.
Church Fellowship & Cultural Heritage
The youth engaged deeply with the local Church through a private audience and blessing with the Bishop of Mannar Msgr. Gnanapragasam Anthonypillai, fraternal fellowship with minor seminarians, and joint faith exchanges with youth groups across Manalkadu and Pesalai.
The journey concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu.
This mission demonstrated that distance cannot weaken the bonds of heritage and faith. By serving the marginalized with humility and joy, our youth showed that the Gospel is truly alive when lived in solidarity with others.
Legion of Mary
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." — Ephesians 6:11
The Legion of Mary is the largest lay apostolic association in the Catholic Church, where members serve the Church and their neighbors on a voluntary basis under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of All Graces.
At our chaplaincy, the Legion of Mary plays a vital role in fostering deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary while actively engaging in spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Our Mission & Spirituality
Rooted in prayer and action, members of the Legion of Mary dedicate themselves to growing in holiness through a balanced life of devotion and parish service. Guided by the Holy Spirit and the maternal care of Our Lady, our mission focuses on:
- Spiritual Growth: Daily recitation of the Catena Legionis (the Legion’s prayer) and the Holy Rosary.
- Apostolic Work: Visiting the sick, the elderly, and families in our community to offer prayerful support.
- Parish Service: Assisting in liturgical celebrations, organizing Marian processions, and supporting the pastoral initiatives of the chaplaincy.
Meetings
True to the Legion’s tradition, our members gather to pray, review their apostolic work, and plan the upcoming week’s service.
When: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.
Where: Chaplaincy Hall, Belleville
Join Us: The Legion of Mary is open to all practicing Catholics who wish to deepen their faith and serve the community through the hands of Mary. If you feel called to become an active or auxiliary (praying) member, please speak with the Parish Priest or contact the Legion’s coordinator.
Association Saint-Joseph
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." — Colossians 3:23
Dedicated to Saint Joseph—the earthly father of Jesus, protector of the Holy Family, and patron of the Universal Church—the Association Saint-Joseph is a foundational pillar of our chaplaincy.
Mirroring the virtues of our patron saint, the members of this association are characterized by their quiet dedication, hard work, humility, and steadfast faith. They serve as a vital support system for the parish, ensuring the smooth running of our community life and spiritual celebrations.
Our Mission & Activities
The Association Saint-Joseph brings together community members (traditionally fathers and men of the parish, though open to all devoted to his patronage) to serve the Church through action and prayer. Our key activities include:
- Parish Support & Logistics: Providing hands-on assistance during major liturgical events, feast days, processions, and large community gatherings.
- Church Maintenance: Dedicating time and effort to help maintain, clean, and care for our beautiful Belleville chapel and parish facilities.
- Spiritual Fellowship: Cultivating spiritual growth, fraternity, and family values through the inspiring example of Saint Joseph the Worker.
- Annual Feast Celebration: Taking a leading role in organizing the annual parish Feast of Saint Joseph, bringing our entire Tamil Catholic community together in joy and thanksgiving.
Meetings & Gatherings
Members gather regularly to pray, plan upcoming parish activities, and share in fellowship.
- When: Will be announced in advance during Sunday mass
- Where: Chaplaincy Hall, Belleville
Join Us: If you have a devotion to Saint Joseph and a desire to serve our chaplaincy behind the scenes with a willing heart and helping hands, we invite you to join the Association Saint-Joseph. Please speak with the Parish Priest or one of the association members after Mass for more information.
Liturgical Choir Ministry
"He who sings prays twice." — Saint Augustine
The Choir Ministry is a vital liturgical apostolate within our chaplaincy, dedicated to elevating our worship and leading the congregation in deeper prayer through sacred song. Singing primarily in our native Tamil language, the choir bridges cultural heritage and deep Catholic tradition, helping to make every Holy Mass a vibrant and spiritually enriching experience.
Multi-Parish Presence
To ensure our liturgies remain vibrant and spiritually uplifting across our entire community, the choir ministry is active and available across all parishes under the care of our chaplaincy. Whether at our main chapel or at the various regional parishes where our Tamil Holy Masses are celebrated, our dedicated choristers travel and serve to lead the faithful in worship.
Our Mission & Spirit
Through regular rehearsals and prayerful dedication, our choir members use their musical talents to glorify God and serve the community. The ministry focuses on:
- Enriching the Liturgy: Leading the faithful in singing the responses, hymns, and psalms during Sunday Masses and solemn liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter).
- Cultural & Spiritual Heritage: Preserving and sharing beautiful Tamil Catholic hymns while introducing contemporary sacred music that resonates with all generations.
- Unity and Fellowship: Fostering a supportive, family-like environment where members grow together in faith, friendship, and musical skill.
