CBCI Office for Healthcare Strengthens Church’s Mental Health Ministry Through National Formation Programme

Bengaluru, May 29, 2026: Responding to the growing mental health challenges affecting families, children, youth, and the elderly across the country, the CBCI Office for Healthcare, in collaboration with the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) India, organised a two-day Training and Formation Programme at St. Dymphna National Institute of Wellness, Bengaluru.

The programme aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry Guidelines at the grassroots level and equipping Church leaders to respond more effectively to emotional and psychological concerns within communities.

Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, inaugurated the gathering, which brought together regional and diocesan leaders engaged in mental health ministry from different parts of India.

Resource sessions were led by Fr. Shinto Mathew, OCD, National President of CMHM India; Mr. Edwin Walker, National Vice President of CMHM India; Sr. Dr. Rani Augustine, MSA, National Director of Outreach; and Sr. Dr. Jennifer, HC, Regional Coordinator of Chhattisgarh. The sessions focused on strengthening mental health ministry initiatives in parish, educational, and healthcare settings in accordance with CMHM guidelines.

A major emphasis of the programme was the establishment of mental health ministry units in every parish with the support of parish priests, enabling Church communities to accompany and support individuals facing emotional and psychological difficulties.

CMHM India is presently active in several regions, including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, the Western Region, the North East, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Organisers noted that the programme enhanced the capacity of regional and diocesan leaders to contribute more effectively to the expansion and growth of mental health ministry in their respective areas.

During the gathering, organisers also announced the forthcoming National Mental Health Conference to be held in Guwahati on November 5 and 6, 2026.

In his concluding address, Fr. Santhosh Dias highlighted the importance of collaboration among various Church commissions and ministries in addressing mental health concerns. He appealed to dioceses and institutions across the country to support the CBCI Office for Healthcare in preparing a National Referral Directory of Catholic mental health professionals and hospitals.

The initiative is being coordinated by CMHM India through its official website, www.cmhmindia.org, to facilitate networking and accessible mental health support within the Church.

Sr. Virginia T. Sangma, National Executive Secretary of CMHM India, proposed the vote of thanks.

By Sr. Virginia T Sangma

National Executive Secretary