- 10 October, 2026
October 10, 2026: As the world observes World Mental Health Day on October 10, leaders of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry in India have called for greater awareness, compassionate listening and professional support, urging Church communities and families to become safe spaces free from stigma and judgement.
Archbishop Thomas J. Netto, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Healthcare, highlighted mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal thoughts, among young people, older adults, clergy and religious.
He noted that many continue to suffer in silence because of stigma and fear of being judged. “The Church should be a place where anyone who says, ‘I am struggling,’ knows they will be received with compassion and support,” he said.
Archbishop Netto said the CBCI Office for Healthcare was strengthening awareness and accompaniment at the grassroots through parishes, schools and healthcare institutions. Referring to the Catholic Mental Health Ministry guidelines launched earlier this year, he added, “Not all of us are mental health professionals, but each of us can learn to listen, accompany and help remove stigma.”
Emphasising a collaborative approach to mental health care, Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Executive Secretary of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, said the ministry was established in response to pastoral and social realities. “Catholic Mental Health Ministry works in collaboration with the dioceses, clergy, religious congregations, Catholic hospitals, educational institutions, social service organisations and with lay leadership,” he said.
Its objectives include reducing stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide, correcting misconceptions, promoting timely pastoral and professional help, and fostering safe, inclusive and non-judgemental environments within Catholic settings.
Sr Dr Joan Chunkapura, National Secretary of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry of India, highlighted the need for organised support, particularly for consecrated men and women. She noted that unresolved grief and trauma could affect individuals and their ministry, while stress and burnout required greater attention.
“The purpose of Catholic Mental Health Ministry is mainly to give enough information regarding mental health issues and also to identify problem cases early enough so that we can give them professional help,” she said.
The ministry also seeks to accompany people through crises and grief, support continuity of treatment and rehabilitation, and promote stress management and self-care. Sr Dr Joan stressed that stigma must be challenged by recognising mental health difficulties as human concerns rather than signs of moral weakness.
Archbishop Thomas Tharayil, Ecclesiastical Advisor to the ministry, cautioned against assuming that spirituality alone ensures mental well-being. “Being spiritual does not guarantee mental health,” he said, emphasising the importance of appropriate psychological care alongside faith.
He also called for emotionally healthy families and practical formation programmes to help young people address challenges such as addiction, cyberbullying and social isolation.
Together, the leaders emphasised that compassionate listening, professional care and faith must work together so that no one has to face mental health difficulties alone.
Highlighting the need for priests and religious to care for their own well-being, Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice-President of the CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India), said that those engaged in ministry often neglect their physical, mental and spiritual health. “We are not machines; we have to stop at some time,” he said, pointing to the anxieties, tensions and isolation experienced by those in ministry. He emphasised awareness, acceptance and accompaniment, urging people to recognise and support those who need attention and appreciation.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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