Bishop Tauro Urges Solidarity with Migrants, Refugees

New Delhi, September 27, 2026: Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi, called for justice and solidarity with migrants, refugees and displaced people as the Church marked the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 27.

Bishop Tauro made the appeal while celebrating the World Day Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, where 15 priests engaged in migrant ministry in Delhi concelebrated.

In his homily, Bishop Tauro said migrants and refugees must be welcomed as brothers and sisters, with the same human worth as everyone else.

“In faith, nobody in the world is a migrant or a refugee. We are all children of God and have equal status before God. God considers all of us equal, without any distinction,” he said.

He urged the faithful to translate this conviction into practical concern for others, emphasising that communities grow through mutual giving and receiving.

Following the Mass, the CCBI Commission for Migrants organised a programme at DCA Hall in the Archdiocese of Delhi, bringing together around 400 people from different sections of society.

Fr. Stephen Alathara called on the faithful to become “missionaries for migrants” by cultivating greater openness and sensitivity towards people on the move. He noted that migrants, regardless of their educational or social background, remain vulnerable during their journeys.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, pointed out that Delhi itself is home to a large migrant population. He urged the gathering to offer migrants “a heart of prayer, an ear to listen and a hand to support”.

Sr. Vineetha, National Secretary of the Conference of Religious India (CRI), called for greater sensitivity towards migrants and refugees, saying every migrant carries a story capable of touching and transforming lives.

Adv. Sr. Rani, Regional Secretary of the Commission, reflected on this year’s theme, “Even Just One of These Children,” stressing the need to safeguard children and promote their integral development regardless of their migration status.

Ms Grace from Manipur shared the hardships faced by the Manipuri community and expressed gratitude for the support extended by the CCBI Commission for Migrants. Fr. Stanislaus Alla of Vidya Jyoti Theologate also stressed the importance of protecting migrants.

The programme concluded with the felicitation of children from migrant communities, who were presented with special gifts.

By Catholic Connect Reporter