Strong Networks is Essential for Effective Migration Ministry

Bangalore, 7 May 2026: “Migration ministry can be strengthened through networking and staying connected,” said Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI in his concluding message at the two-day training programme organised by the Karnataka Regional Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India at the Indian Social Institute, Benson Town, Bangalore on 7 May 2026.

The training programme, aimed at promoting safe and dignified migration, brought together priests, religious, social workers, and migration activists from different dioceses and congregations across Karnataka. The programme was inaugurated on the previous day by Bishop Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore

In his address, Fr. Stephen Alathara said that the CCBI had established two new commissions, Migrants and Ecology in response to the vision and call of Pope Francis to address emerging social and pastoral concerns. He stressed that ministry among migrants demands deep commitment, compassion, and sustained involvement.

Referring to the situation in Bangalore, Fr. Alathara observed that more than 70 major superiors of religious congregations, together with the dioceses, could bring about meaningful transformation in the city, especially in supporting poor and vulnerable migrant communities. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among Church institutions to ensure legal protection, pastoral care, and human dignity for migrant workers.

The training programme focused on the legal framework for safe migration and covered various important issues, including laws related to bonded labour, human trafficking, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, and labour codes. A special media session was also conducted to encourage positive storytelling on migrants and marginalized communities and to promote greater public awareness of their struggles and contributions.

The resource persons on the second day included Adv. Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Dr. Cyril Victor, Adv. Rani Punnasseril, Johny Mathew, and Fr. Abilash. The two-day training programme was coordinated by Fr. Franklin Minj and Sr. Jessica.

By Rani Punnasseril