Promote a Culture of Integration, Urges Cardinal Michael Czerny at Migrant Jubilee

Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu – November 6, 2025: Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, called upon the faithful to foster a “culture of integration” during the Jubilee of Migrants held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu.

 

“In a world marked by diversity, integration is a concrete expression of the Church’s catholicity, its universality, which must be embraced and expressed in every age,” Cardinal Czerny said, addressing the gathering of bishops, priests, religious, and lay leaders.

 

Highlighting the richness that comes from cultural diversity, the Cardinal added, “The variety of faithful from different backgrounds offers local Churches an opportunity for growth and enrichment, becoming, one might say, ever more catholic, ever more all-embracing.”

 

The Jubilee of Migrants opened with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Cardinal Czerny as the main celebrant. The Eucharist was concelebrated by Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI and Archbishop of Bangalore, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, Bishop Albert Hemrom, Fr. Stephen Alathara, Fr. Eduwardo Gabriel, Fr. Jaison Vadassery, and over a hundred priests.

 

Archbishop Machado presided over the inaugural meeting. Cardinal Michael Czerny inaugurated the jubilee gathering of migrants. Archbishop Thakur welcomed the gathering, while Bishop Sagayaraj Thamburaj of Thanjavur, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General, CCBI, Fr. R. Jesudoss, Executive Director, Caritas India, and Rev. Dr. Joe Xavier, S.J., offered felicitations. Fr. Adv. Jaison Vadassery, Secretary of the Commission for Migrants, proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The Jubilee, held from November 6–8, 2025, carries the theme “Pilgrims of Hope in the Heart of Mary.” Organized by the CCBI Commission for Migrants, the event gathers Church leaders and pastoral workers dedicated to the mission of accompanying and uplifting migrant communities across India.

 

By Catholic Connect Reporter