Archbishop Casimir Gnanathickam was born on 24th April 1925 at Suranam in Sivaganga District, Tamilnadu, India. He ordained as Jesuit Priest in 1957 and appointed as Archbishop of Madural in 1983 and became Archbishop of Madurai in 1985.

Most Rev Dr. Casimir Gnanathickam, (Late) Archbishop of Madurai and Madras Mylapore was known for his love, concern, and care towards the poor, downtrodden, marginalized especially for deprived Dalit community. True to his motto, “All may get the fullness of life”, he was always compassionate towards the suffering community and set various plans and actions for the emancipation of the oppressed community and he was a visionary to set in a just and egalitarian society in his region. But it became impossible in his time due to his sudden demise.

Though he was not among us, his aim and objective for the development of the poor remain alive so to continue his good works for the welfare of the suffering class Casimir Gnanathickam trust was established in the year of 2003 in memory of his 10^th year of death anniversary. The relatives, friends and well-wishers of Archbishop Casimir Gnanathickam supported the activities of the trust.

The trust has been doing remarkable service for the past 20 years in the diocese of Sivaganga and Madurai dioceses.