- 14 March, 2025
Bangalore, 14 March, 2025 – Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman of the Commission for Migrants, urged Church seminaries and formation centres to foster sensitivity toward migrants and displaced persons. Speaking at the three-day CCBI meeting in Bangalore from 11 to 13 March, Archbishop Thakur reaffirmed Pope Francis’ vision of placing the poor at the Church’s core while focusing on implementing the pastoral plan across 14 regions of the CCBI. The event gathered 35 regional secretaries from the CCBI Commission for Migrants and the Commission for Vocation, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious (VSCR).
Archbishop Thakur called for concrete steps to support migrants, urging the Church to take immediate action by:
• Raising awareness at the parish and diocesan levels.
• Appointing priests dedicated to migrant ministry.
• Integrating migration issues into seminary formation programmes.
• Strengthening networks to facilitate job opportunities and education for migrants.
• Establishing a helpline for migrants in distress.
“Migrants are the poor of our times, and as Pope Francis reminds us, they are Jesus at our doorsteps,” he said, stressing the need for a change in mindset towards the Church’s role in migrant care.
Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI played a key role in driving discussions on effective pastoral initiatives. The CCBI pastoral plan aims to enhance evangelisation, faith formation, social outreach, and pastoral care, ensuring that the Church remains mission-driven while addressing contemporary challenges.
Participants worked on regional and diocesan action plans aligned with the national pastoral framework. The Odisha Region’s pastoral plan focuses on forming spirit-filled, people-centred servant leaders through structured awareness, orientation, and formation programmes. Initiatives will target clergy, religious, lay faithful, seminaries, and formation houses, emphasising parish-level implementation, diocesan vocation teams, youth engagement, and mentorship.
The Commission for Migrants outlined a two-pronged approach. Jashpur Diocese and Odisha Region, source areas, will focus on awareness, formation, and pastoral care, while the Archdiocese of Delhi and Tamil Nadu Region, destination areas, will work on inclusion, advocacy, and social integration.
Participants shared positive feedback on the meeting’s impact. Fr. Rasmikant Nayak from Chhattisgarh noted that the pastoral plan would aid migrants in safe migration and provide hope for returnees in distress. Fr. Robert Kujur from the Diocese of Dibrugarh appreciated the focus on migrant care and pre-departure orientation at the parish level. Sr. Marykutty Antony, Provincial of the JMJ Congregation, commended the collaboration between the Migrant Commission and VSCR Commission, expressing confidence that the deliberations would bring positive changes for migrants and the Church.
Dr. Daisy Panna, a medical practitioner from the Archdiocese of Delhi, described the workshop as fruitful and enriching. “It has clarified my role as a National Council Member of VSCR and as a lay representative. It has strengthened, motivated, and reiterated my commitment,” she said.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Christopher Vimalraj affirmed that the “mission possible” goal had been achieved through this collaborative initiative, emphasising resilience and determination in addressing challenges. The workshop was facilitated by Fr. Joe Xavier S.J., who played a key role in the structured discussions and planning sessions. The efforts of Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of VSCR, and Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Migrants, were instrumental in executing the programme.
Participants left with renewed commitment to implementing the pastoral plans under the CCBI, reinforcing the Church’s mission of holistic care and solidarity.
By Sr. Rani
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