Kerala Church Calls for Parish-Based Mental Health Ministries to Support the Distressed

Kochi, May 11, 2026: Responding to growing concerns over mental health challenges across communities, the Catholic Church in Kerala has called for the establishment of dedicated Mental Health Ministries in every parish, diocese and Church-run institution, aiming to provide compassionate care and structured support to those in distress.

The appeal emerged from the Second Kerala Regional Mental Health Conference, “Manassinoru Karuthal,” held from May 8 to 9, which brought together clergy, religious and lay faithful engaged in mental health outreach. The conference was organised by the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) Kerala Region in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India Office for Healthcare and the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council Regional Health Commission.

Inaugurating the gathering, Bishop Alex Vadakumthala, Chairman of the KCBC Health Commission, underscored the urgent need for a coordinated and compassionate Church response to mental health concerns affecting families, youth, the elderly, clergy and religious. The inaugural session was presided over by Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CBCI Office for Healthcare.

The two-day conference featured expert sessions, discussions and spiritual programmes, including the Eucharistic celebration, adoration and reconciliation. Participants deliberated on strengthening parish-level mental health ministries through sustainable and inclusive models.

Speakers highlighted that the CMHM approach is rooted in the Gospel-inspired Good Samaritan model, built around the “3 Rs” — Recognize, Respond and Rebuild. Emphasising that mental health care is a shared responsibility, the ministry was described as a “People’s Ministry,” with a call for active participation from clergy, religious and laity alike. Several speakers also referred to mental health ministry as the “oxygen of all ministries,” underscoring its foundational importance.

The conference recommended the launch of community-based mental health initiatives in every parish, with particular focus on children and youth. Participants also resolved to strengthen collaboration with various Church commissions and existing ministries to expand outreach at the grassroots level.

In a significant step towards improving coordination, a national-level initiative to create a database of mental health professionals was launched, aimed at supporting parish and diocesan efforts across India.

CMHM, widely regarded as the country’s largest Catholic mental health network, brings together psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, priests, religious, psychologists, social workers and lay faithful to promote accessible mental health care.

The conference also saw strong participation from lay faithful, reflecting the Church’s growing emphasis on collaborative ministry. A Malayalam publication titled “Manassinoru Karuthal” was released on the occasion to promote mental health awareness and literacy in parishes and communities.

To encourage grassroots engagement, the CMHM Kerala Region instituted the Good Samaritan Award, honouring individuals committed to supporting those in distress. The inaugural award was presented to Jipson from the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly for his contributions to parish-based mental health initiatives.

Participants also resolved to organise zonal and diocesan conferences across Kerala to expand outreach, address stigma surrounding mental health, promote suicide prevention and train more “Good Samaritans” equipped to respond to people in need.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to building a compassionate, parish-centred response to mental health challenges, with closing remarks by Fr. Subin Rathapally, who reiterated the Church’s mission to accompany and heal those facing psychological and emotional distress in the light of Christ’s love.

By Sr. Jilu Jose, AC -

Regional Secretary , CMHM Keralam