CCBI Migrants Commission Renews Commitment to Migrant Pastoral Ministry

Bengaluru, July 22, 2026: The National Council of the CCBI Commission for Migrants met at Palana Bhavana, Bengaluru, to review the implementation of the Migrants Pastoral Plan and strengthen the Church’s commitment to accompanying migrants through a participatory and synodal approach.

In his inaugural address, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, emphasised the importance of relationships in every mission and ministry. He urged the members to ensure that migrants experience dignity, respect and belonging in the Church, stressing that they should be seen not merely as recipients of pastoral care but as active participants in the Church’s mission.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Susainathan of Bengaluru reflected on Jesus’ question, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” (Matthew 12:48), and called for a broader understanding of family and community. He urged the Church to embrace migrants as members of one human and ecclesial family, transcending linguistic, cultural and regional differences.

Fr. Joseph Xavier SJ, resource person for the council, reviewed the Commission’s journey across various regions of India and highlighted the consultative process through which the National Council was constituted. He said the council itself was the fruit of discernment and collaboration and had already generated new initiatives and renewed momentum for migrant ministry.

Drawing from his experience of conducting formation programmes for bishops, Fr. Xavier noted the growing recognition of migration as a significant pastoral priority and called for greater collaboration among dioceses.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, presented a review of the implementation of the Migrants Pastoral Plan. While acknowledging challenges across different regions, he highlighted the growing awareness and commitment to migrant ministry among dioceses as a major achievement of the plan.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to building a Church where every migrant is welcomed with dignity, accompanied with compassion and empowered to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter