Kerala Latin Church to Boost Apostolic Work Among Migrants

Kottayam, October 17, 2025: The Kerala Latin Church has outlined a strategic plan to enhance apostolic activities for migrants within the state. A conference, held on the 15th and 16th of October at the Vimalagiri Pastoral Centre in Kottayam, brought together directors of migrant commissions from Latin dioceses in Kerala and volunteers working with migrant communities.

The event was inaugurated by Bishop Sebastian Thekkathecheril of Vijayapuram Diocese. In his address, he stated:

“Just as St. Francis of Assisi renewed the Church in the 12th century, Pope Francis envisions a renewed Church through a synodal way of life. In the same way, the influx and the welcome of migrants can renew the Church — it is truly a blessing.”

The sessions had inputs from several key resource persons. Dr. Jiju Arakkathara, Deputy Secretary General of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC), explained the four core principles of migrant ministry emphasized by Pope Francis — to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrants. Mr. Joseph Jude, Vice President of the KRLCC, presented the gruesome realities faced by young migrants from Kerala, noting that over 60 percent of young people migrating abroad come from lower-income families earning less than five lakh rupees per year.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, gave an overview of the National Pastoral Plan for Migrants, while Fr. Noel Kurisinkal, Secretary of the Commission for Migrants of the KRLCC, outlined the State-level Plan and ongoing initiatives for migrant ministry in Kerala.

Organised jointly by the CCBI Migrants Commission and the Kerala Latin Church Migrants Commission, the conference serves as a prelude to the Jubilee Pilgrimage for Migrants, set for November in Velankanni.

By Joseph Jude

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