Catholic Church Initiative Holds Mental Health Awareness Seminar in Alappuzha, Kerala

Alappuzha, Kerala, June 19, 2025: The Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM)—a national network under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s Office for Healthcare—conducted a seminar on mental health on Tuesday, June 17, at the Pastoral Centre of the Alappuzha Diocese in Alappuzha, Kerala. 

Titled “Manassinu Oru Karuthal” (A Care for the Mind), the programme aimed to empower individuals and communities to identify, confront, and resolve critical mental health issues such as substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, and family-related issues. Several mental health professionals and community stakeholders participated in the event.

The seminar was inaugurated by Monsignor Dr. Joy Puthenveettil, Vicar General of the Alappuzha Diocese. Sr. Dr. Reema Grace CMC, CMHM Kerala Regional Director, delivered the welcome address. Felicitations were offered by Fr. Xavier Kudiamssery, Director of Community Radio, Alappuzha Diocese, and Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura MMS, CMHM National Secretary.

The event featured insightful sessions on various aspects of mental health. These sessions were led by several noted experts, including Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura MMS, Dr. Bobby Thomas Kokkatt, Dr. Rohini Virathan, Mr. Sigy Antony (CMHM National Director for Education), and Dr. Joseph Skariah, CMHM Kerala Regional Convenor. Topics discussed during these sessions ranged from building psychological resilience to implementing community-based mental health interventions.

Fr. Shinto Mathew OCD, CMHM National President, introduced new ministry initiatives focused on psycho-spiritual integration to address the rising mental health concerns within communities. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and support.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Chilton, Associate Director of the CMHM Kerala Region.

By Fr. Shinto Mathew OCD,

CMHM National President

Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM)