Patna Archdiocese Plans Parish-Based Mental Health Support

Patna, October 26, 2026: The Archdiocese of Patna plans to promote parish-based mental health support by training pastoral personnel, encouraging professional referrals and coordinating services across Church institutions.

The initiative was outlined at a seminar on “Mental Health and Pastoral Accompaniment” organised by the archdiocesan Health Commission for priests and religious sisters at Seva Kendra, Patna, on October 24.

Archbishop Sebastian Kallupurakkal of Patna, who inaugurated the seminar, urged clergy and religious to respond compassionately to people experiencing emotional and psychological distress, particularly those who suffer in silence.

Fr. Shinto Mathew, OCD, national president of Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) India, called for mental health support to become a shared responsibility across the archdiocese rather than remain confined to the Health Commission. He urged parishes, schools, hospitals, social service centres and religious communities to work together to support individuals and families facing emotional difficulties and personal crises.

Describing the ministry as “a gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church,” Fr. Shinto stressed the importance of training pastoral personnel to recognise warning signs and refer people to qualified professionals when necessary.

Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS, national secretary of CMHM India and director of St. Dymphna National Institute of Wellness, Bengaluru, addressed stress, emotional difficulties and interpersonal conflicts. She highlighted early identification, basic helping skills and timely professional intervention, while urging priests and religious sisters to prioritise their own emotional well-being.

The seminar focused on integrating psychological care into pastoral practice through awareness, early identification, professional referrals and ongoing accompaniment. Participants also discussed closer coordination among diocesan commissions, healthcare providers, educational institutions and religious congregations.

The archdiocese aims to build a collaborative framework that makes appropriate support more accessible through parish and diocesan structures.

By Catholic Connect Reporter