Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Agra Region Migrants' Training Charts a New Path

Jaipur, 29 March, 2025 – The Agra Region Commission for Migrants convened priests, religious leaders, and lay faithful at Gyan Deep Bhawan, Jaipur, to strengthen pastoral policies and initiatives for migrants.

Bishop Joseph Kallarackal, Bishop of Jaipur and Chairman of the Commission for Migrants, urged a structured pastoral response. He emphasised welcoming parish communities with help desks, legal aid, and employment support while collaborating with civil society to protect migrant rights.

He outlined five key programmes:

1. Pastoral care – Visiting families and addressing mental health issues.

2. Encouraging engagement – Motivating clergy and laity in migrant ministry.

3. Parish enrolment – Providing spiritual and social support.

4. Fair employment – Ensuring minimum wages and prohibiting child labour.

5. De-addiction programmes – Supporting rehabilitation and mental health.

Insights were shared by

Fr. Chinnappa Raj SJ spoke on “A Journey with Migrants.”

Fr. Jaison Vadassery reinforced the Church’s role in spiritual and social support.

Adv. Sr. Rani Punnasseril informed participants on legal rights.

Fr. Siby Mathew, event organiser, stressed the need for strengthened commissions and awareness programmes. Mrs. Sunita George shared her experience assisting exploited workers. Fr. John Meckanrow urged fair wages for migrants. Sr. Josaine PSA pledged her congregation’s commitment, while Saju Paulose vowed to advocate for migrant rights.

The training concluded with a collective commitment to empowering migrants across the Agra Region.

By Sister Rani Punnasseril HCM