The Tamil Laity Seminar was conducted at NBCLC from January 12th to 18th, 2025, focusing on empowering lay members within the Church and society. The seminar brought together 62 participants from Tamil Nadu, consisting of 40 men and 22 women. The inauguration took place on January 12th at 9:00 AM with the traditional lighting of the "Karthigai Vilakku," followed by the reading from a Vatican document and prayer.

The program was coordinated by Fr. X.D. Selvaraj, with Mr. P. Lawrence serving as the Course Coordinator who welcomed the participants. The seminar featured a range of resource persons, including Fr. Maria Vincent, Bro. Joseph Edwin, Fr. John Baptist, Fr. Amrutharaj, Fr. Maria Michel, Sr. Stella, and Mr. Selvaraj.

Sr. Nisha provided initial guidance to help participants settle into the Centre.

The seminar incorporated a mix of sessions and activities. Ice-breaking sessions and diocese-wise evaluations were used to foster interaction and understand participant expectations. Open sessions allowed participants to share their involvement in the Church and society, as well as experiences from previous seminars. Fr. Amirtharaj led sessions differentiating between the Holy Eucharist and other forms of liturgy, and explained how lay people can conduct liturgies in group or family settings (excluding consecration). A Pongal celebration was integrated into the program, highlighting cultural elements. Daily liturgies and rosary recitations were also part of the schedule.

Key themes explored in the sessions included:
• Vision of the Church: Discussions based on the Second Vatican Council, exploring "Third World Vision" and "One World Vision."
• Inculturation: Examining the inculturation of life and liturgy.
• Social Analysis: Analyzing contemporary social issues and the role of the Church.
• Reign of God: Biblical perspectives on the Reign of God.
• Laity Leadership: Developing lay leadership within the Church and society.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Promoting understanding and dialogue between faiths.
• Family Role: Emphasizing the significance of families in society.
• Women in Society: Addressing the role and challenges faced by women.
• Laity Duties and Rights: Outlining the rights and responsibilities of lay members based on Canon Law. Participants actively engaged in group discussions, sharing insights and contributing to the seminar's objectives. An evaluation was conducted to gather feedback. Participants suggested that similar seminars be organized at the diocesan and parish levels to reach a wider audience.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory function on January 18th. Bishop Ambrose from Vellore was the chief guest, addressing the participants and distributing certificates. The program closed with expressions of gratitude and a thanksgiving Mass.