CCBI Migrants Commission Strengthens Church Collaboration for Migrant Ministry in Vijayawada

Vijayawada, June 25, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) Commission for Migrants strengthened its partnership with the Sarvajana Sneha Charitable Trust (SSCT) in Vijayawada during a visit marked by the release of the Trust’s Annual Report Magazine and preparations for the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council (TCBC)–CCBI Regional Commission for Migrants Meeting scheduled for June 26–27.

The visit highlighted the Church’s growing commitment to addressing the needs of migrant communities and fostering greater collaboration among dioceses, religious congregations and social service organisations engaged in migrant ministry.

Eighteen Sisters of St. Ann’s of Luzern involved in social apostolate activities participated in the gathering. Led by Sr. Suguna Francins, Provincial Councillor of the Vijayawada Province, the Sisters reflected on their ministries and shared experiences of community-based initiatives carried out through the Sarvajana Sneha Charitable Trust, which has emerged as a significant platform for social transformation and community development.

With interstate migration continuing to present social and pastoral challenges, the congregation has identified migrant ministry as a key area of outreach. Through SSCT, the Sisters have expanded their engagement with migrant workers and their families, working closely with the CCBI Commission for Migrants to provide support, guidance and access to essential services.

Fr. Adv. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, accompanied by members of his team and Fr. Vijay Pathapati, Regional Secretary of the Commission, met the Sisters to discuss the objectives and agenda of the forthcoming regional meeting. The gathering will bring together diocesan representatives from across the Telugu region to strengthen coordinated pastoral responses to migration.

Fr. Vijay acknowledged the contribution of the Sarvajana Sneha Charitable Trust in accompanying migrant communities throughout the region. The Trust has become an important partner in offering counselling, awareness programmes, legal assistance and community support to migrant workers and their families.

One of SSCT’s notable strengths is its multidisciplinary approach. Among the eighteen Sisters engaged in social ministry, six are trained advocates who provide legal aid to individuals facing labour exploitation, domestic violence, property disputes and other forms of injustice. This blend of pastoral care and professional expertise has enhanced the Trust’s ability to serve vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Managed by the Sisters of St. Ann’s of Luzern at Ajit Singh Nagar in Vijayawada, the Trust has long been involved in initiatives promoting education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, legal services and community development. Its increasing focus on migrant ministry reflects a growing commitment to responding to emerging social realities.

A key moment during the visit was the release of the SSCT Annual Report Magazine, which documents the Trust’s programmes, achievements and impact over the past year. Releasing the publication, Fr. Jaison commended the Sisters for their dedicated service and described the magazine as a testimony to lives transformed through compassionate outreach, professional commitment and Gospel-inspired action.

He also praised the congregation for embracing migrant ministry as a vital expression of the Church’s mission in contemporary society. Emphasising the need for broader cooperation, he said effective care for migrants requires partnerships among dioceses, religious congregations, civil society organisations and government institutions.

“Every initiative that restores dignity to a migrant worker becomes a sign of hope for our society,” Fr. Jaison said, encouraging the Sisters to continue building bridges of solidarity, justice and inclusion.

The release of the annual report and the preparations for the regional migrants’ meeting underscored the shared commitment of the CCBI Commission for Migrants and the Sarvajana Sneha Charitable Trust to strengthening the Church’s ministry among migrants through collaboration, professional service and compassionate accompaniment.

By Catholic Connect Reporter