Raipur Wellness Programme Promotes Mental Health among Women Religious

Raipur, September 21, 2026: Catholic sisters from different religious congregations gathered in Raipur for a three-day residential programme focused on mental health, emotional well-being and healthier community life among women religious.

The Inter-Congregational Wellness Programme, organised by the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) India in collaboration with the SMMI Raipur Province, was held from September 11 to 13 at the SMMI Provincial House.

The programme brought together women religious for sessions on personal wellness, emotional health, relationships, stress management and community well-being. The organisers sought to move beyond theoretical discussions by providing participants with practical tools for understanding their own emotional health and supporting others in their communities.

Sr. Deepika George, Provincial Superior of the SMMI Raipur Province, inaugurated the programme and stressed the importance of mental health and wellness formation for religious women facing the demands of contemporary ministry and community life.

The sessions were conducted by Sr. Dr Joan Chunkapura, MMS, who has more than four decades of experience in Catholic mental health ministry, and Fr. Shinto Mathew, OCD, National President of CMHM India.

Participants reflected on emotional difficulties, stress and other mental-health concerns, while exploring ways of responding with greater awareness, compassion and appropriate support. Particular attention was given to building communities where members feel accepted, valued, heard and accompanied.

A central theme of the programme was the Christian spirituality of recognising Christ in every person, especially those experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. The participants were encouraged to view mental health as an integral part of holistic well-being and community life.

The initiative forms part of CMHM India's wider efforts under the CBCI Office for Healthcare to promote mental-health awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support systems within the Catholic community. Through training programmes, conferences and webinars, the ministry advocates a culture in which seeking professional or pastoral help is seen as a positive step rather than a weakness.

CMHM India has worked with about 20 congregations of women religious across India through mental-health and wellness initiatives. The Raipur programme highlighted the value of bringing sisters from different congregations together for shared learning, mutual support and collaboration.

Following the response to the programme, CMHM India plans to organise further inter-congregational wellness programmes and conferences in different parts of the country.

The initiative reflects the ministry's vision of “Wellness for Every Heart”, seeking to encourage open conversations about mental health, strengthen support networks and promote compassionate accompaniment for those facing emotional and psychological challenges.

By Catholic Connect Reporter