Catholic Mental Health Ministry Urges Compassionate Pastoral Care at Rayagada Formation Session

Rayagada, July 14, 2026: The Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) called on the Church to become a healing presence for people experiencing mental health challenges during a formation session held at the Bishop's House in Rayagada on July 10.

The programme brought together nurse sisters, women religious, and priests from the diocese to deepen their understanding of mental health as an essential dimension of pastoral ministry and integral human development.

The session was led by Fr. Reeviyan Nayak, who presented the mission and vision of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry. He emphasised that mental health is a universal human right and an integral part of holistic well-being, urging participants to respond to those who suffer with compassion, dignity, and hope.

Inviting the participants to see Christ in those affected by mental illness, Fr. Nayak stressed that the Church is called to accompany individuals and families through spiritual care, emotional support, and compassionate presence. He reminded the gathering that pastoral care must reach those who often experience isolation, stigma, and neglect.

Quoting Pope Francis' description of the Church as "a healing community," Fr. Nayak encouraged participants to nurture their own mental and emotional well-being so that they can build healthy relationships and effectively minister to others.

He also clarified the distinction between Mental Health Ministry and Mental Health Treatment. While treatment involves professional diagnosis, counselling, psychotherapy, and medication provided by trained mental health professionals, the Church's ministry focuses on accompaniment, faith-based pastoral care, community outreach, and emotional and spiritual support.

The resource person outlined several initiatives of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry, including parish-based mental health programmes, regional and national conferences, awareness campaigns, and training programmes designed to build greater understanding of mental health within Church communities.

Encouraging participants to become ambassadors of mental health awareness, Fr. Nayak said the Church has an important role in ensuring that no person facing mental health challenges feels abandoned or excluded.

The formation session concluded with participants expressing a renewed commitment to integrating mental health awareness into their pastoral ministries, reflecting Christ's healing love through compassionate accompaniment and community support.

By Sr. Rose Anitta, FMM ,