CCBI Equips Migrant Volunteers for Faith-Based Service and Advocacy

Bengaluru, June 21, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Secretariat hosted a one-day training programme for migrant volunteers on June 21, bringing together 38 participants, including lay men and women, priests, and religious sisters, to strengthen the Church’s outreach to migrant communities across the country.

The programme was inaugurated by Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, who underscored the vital contribution of volunteers in building a more just and compassionate society through selfless service. Drawing attention to a recent observation of the Supreme Court of India on the value of homemakers’ work, he compared volunteers to mothers within a family who serve with dedication and love without seeking recognition or reward.

“Christian charity is not merely social work; it is an expression of our faith,” Fr. Alathara said. He encouraged participants to remain connected with one another and with the Church, emphasizing that service to migrants is an integral part of Christian discipleship.

Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the VSCR Commission, reflected on the qualities of an effective volunteer and invited participants to view their ministry as a grace-filled opportunity. “When we serve the poor, we serve Jesus Himself. The poor are the people through whom Jesus enters our lives,” he remarked.

A formation session led by Fr. Jaison focused on the role and responsibilities of volunteers within the Commission. Drawing inspiration from the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:4–30), he highlighted the importance of accompaniment, attentive listening, and relationship-building in migrant ministry. Participants reflected on the need for conversations with migrants to be compassionate, non-judgemental, and rooted in acceptance, recognising that genuine dialogue can foster understanding, healing, and transformation.

The programme also showcased encouraging initiatives undertaken at the parish level. Participants learned about the successful establishment of migrant volunteer committees in more than ten parishes of the Archdiocese of Delhi. Each committee, comprising at least seven members, regularly plans and implements programmes aimed at supporting migrant families and workers in their local communities.

Addressing the issue of labour exploitation, Mr. Nirmal conducted a session on bonded labour and the importance of collaboration with civil society organisations, including Mahenatkash and the National Campaign Committee for the Eradication of Bonded Labour. He shared that through sustained advocacy and networking efforts, more than 2,000 bonded labourers had been rescued during the year.

Another session familiarised participants with various government welfare schemes and trained them to assist migrant workers in accessing social benefits and legal entitlements available to them.

The training concluded with the volunteers renewing their commitment to accompany migrants and other vulnerable communities with compassion, faith, and dedicated service, reaffirming the Church’s mission of promoting human dignity and social justice.

By Catholic Connect Reporter