- 30 May, 2026
KOLKATA, May 30, 2026 : Strengthening pastoral accompaniment and coordinated support for migrant communities emerged as a key focus during a virtual preparatory meeting of the Bengal Region Commission for Migrants of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India held on May 28.
The online meeting brought together bishops, diocesan secretaries, and representatives involved in migrant ministry across the Bengal Region to discuss strategies for enhancing the Church’s response to the growing challenges faced by migrants and their families.
The session began with a prayer led by Bishop Paul Simick of Bagdogra, Chairman of the Bengal Region Commission for Migrants. Joining the discussions were Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur and Bishop Edward Baretto of Darjeeling. In his opening remarks, Bishop Simick highlighted the Church’s responsibility to accompany vulnerable migrant communities with compassion, solidarity, and practical support.
According to Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, the meeting served as a preparatory exercise for the Regional Meeting scheduled for August 24–25 at the Chetna Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Asansol. The gathering is expected to focus on strengthening migrant ministry through coordinated pastoral initiatives and concrete interventions.
Coordinated by Fr. Francis Sunil Rosario, Secretary of the Bengal Region Commission for Migrants, the meeting was attended by diocesan secretaries representing the dioceses of Baruipur, Kolkata, Asansol, Bagdogra, Darjeeling, and Raiganj.
During the interactive session, participants shared experiences and concerns regarding migrants working in different parts of India and overseas. Discussions highlighted the need for organised pastoral care, legal awareness, social assistance, and stronger networking mechanisms to support migrants and their families.
Addressing the participants, Bishop Simick urged Church leaders and pastoral workers to move beyond discussions and implement practical initiatives at diocesan and parish levels. He stressed that migrant ministry must be marked by compassion and action in responding to the realities faced by migrant workers.
Fr. Vadassery noted that the forthcoming regional meeting would be guided by the theme, “Journeying Together as People of India – Walking with Migrants,” reflecting the Universal Church’s call to accompany those on the move. He emphasised the importance of active engagement by diocesan secretaries appointed to the Commission for Migrants and reiterated that pastoral care remains the Commission’s primary mission.
He also drew attention to the responsibilities of state governments towards migrant workers, particularly in ensuring support for families affected by the death of migrants working outside their home states or abroad. Given migrants’ significant contribution to local economies, he said their welfare and dignity should remain a priority for both government and society. He further observed that the Church itself benefits from the contributions of migrant communities and therefore carries a moral obligation to care for them.
Sharing field experiences, Fr. Thomas Marandi of Asansol highlighted instances of exploitation faced by migrants at their destinations and called for stronger intervention and advocacy mechanisms to address such injustices.
Fr. Amar Rai of Darjeeling underscored the need for closer collaboration between source and destination dioceses to ensure effective accompaniment of migrants. He also proposed the development of a mobile application that could provide migrants with information, guidance, and emergency assistance.
Fr. Kannauj Roy of Baruipur suggested that the August gathering should culminate in a concrete action plan for both the region and individual dioceses, making migrant ministry more structured and effective.
Fr. John Soren of Kolkata reported that efforts to collect migrant data have already begun in his archdiocese. He also raised concerns regarding the delisting of local communities and recommended that the issue be discussed during the regional meeting to facilitate a coordinated response.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Sunil Rosario stressed the need to strengthen the Commission’s infrastructure through collaboration with socio-economic development agencies, including Seva Kendra units associated with Caritas India. He also advocated for awareness programmes on government welfare schemes available to migrants and their families.
As preparations continue for the August regional gathering, the discussions reflected a shared commitment among Church leaders and migrant ministry representatives to deepen pastoral outreach, strengthen advocacy efforts, and promote the dignity and welfare of migrant communities across the Bengal Region.
By Sr. Anushia, CCBI , Commission for Migration
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