- 25 August, 2026
ASANSOL, August 25, 2026: The Catholic Church in West Bengal has stepped up its efforts to accompany migrant communities, with Church leaders, priests, religious and lay representatives pledging coordinated action to promote safe migration and combat human trafficking and bonded labour.
The commitment emerged from a two-day regional training programme on safe migration organised by the CCBI Commission for Migrants at Chethana Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Asansol on August 24–25. The programme brought together 45 participants from dioceses, religious congregations and organisations engaged in migrant ministry across the region.
Inaugurating the gathering, Archbishop Elias Frank of Kolkata, Chairman of the West Bengal Regional Bishops’ Council, said migration remains one of the defining realities of the present age and called for a stronger pastoral response from the Church.
“The Church has a long tradition of walking with migrants,” Archbishop Frank said, recalling that organised pastoral initiatives for migrants began during the period of the First World War in response to the growing movement of people. He noted that migration can create opportunities for development but also exposes many people to exploitation, insecurity and social exclusion.
Emphasising the need for informed pastoral planning, the Archbishop urged dioceses to gather reliable data on migrant communities and develop coordinated responses. He also described migration as an opportunity for the Church to become more missionary and outward-looking.
Presiding over the programme, Bp Paul Simmick of Bagdogra, Chairman of the West Bengal Regional Commission for Migrants, called for greater solidarity with migrant workers and their families.
Migration, he said, should not be viewed merely as an economic necessity but also as a human reality requiring care, accompaniment and advocacy. He urged participants to address the social and economic injustices that often force people to migrate under distress.
Fr Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, stressed the importance of linking dioceses of origin and destination so that migrants remain connected to the Church wherever they move.
“Pastoral care cannot end when a person leaves home,” Fr Vadassery said, highlighting the need for continued accompaniment and support.
Reflecting on the teachings of Pope Leo XIV, Fr Francis Sunil Rosario spoke on human dignity in an increasingly technological and artificial intelligence-driven world. He warned that technological systems and monopolies could further marginalise poor and vulnerable communities, including migrants, if ethical safeguards are not in place.
Legal expert Sr Adv. Muktha, SCN, explained constitutional protections and legal provisions available to migrants, while Rintu Bag presented a case study on the work of Ashalayam in supporting vulnerable communities.
The second day focused on practical pastoral initiatives. Sr Anushia Fernandes presented the experience of the Archdiocese of Delhi in accompanying migrants and internally displaced persons through parish networks, religious congregations and civil society organisations.
A session led by Sr Chaya, SMI, and Asmith Malik examined the growing concerns of human trafficking and bonded labour and explored ways to identify and assist vulnerable persons.
Participants also reviewed the National Pastoral Plan of the CCBI Commission for Migrants and shared experiences from different dioceses. During a planning session, they resolved to establish parish-level committees for migrants in dioceses across West Bengal and strengthen awareness programmes on safe migration, legal rights and human trafficking.
The meeting also called for migrant concerns to be incorporated into educational and formation programmes and supported the expansion of networks such as the Bengali Darjeeling Catholic Association, which has begun connecting migrant communities in Delhi and Kolkata.
Describing the gathering as a “sign of hope”, Bp Simmick said the coming together of diocesan directors, priests and religious had created new momentum for migrant ministry in the region.
The workshop was coordinated by Fr Francis Sunil Rosario, Regional Secretary of the Commission for Migrants, Fr Wilson Fernandes, Director of Chethana Pastoral Centre, and Fr Thomas Marandi.
As migration continues to reshape communities across India, the Church in West Bengal has signalled its determination to stand alongside migrants, safeguarding their dignity and ensuring that no one journeys alone.
By CCBI Commission for Migrants
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