West Bengal-Sikkim Church Calls for Mental Health Ministry in Every Parish

Raiganj, August 6, 2026: The Catholic Church in the West Bengal and Sikkim Region has called for the establishment of a Mental Health Ministry in every parish as part of a wider pastoral response to growing mental health challenges among children, young people, families and the elderly.

The call was made at the First West Bengal & Sikkim Regional Mental Health Conference, held August 1–2 at Jeevandhara, Raiganj, under the theme, “Caring Together, Healing Together.”

Organised by the West Bengal Catholic Health Association (WBCHA) in collaboration with the CBCI Office for Healthcare and the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) India, the conference brought together healthcare professionals, priests, religious and lay collaborators to address stigma, silence and isolation surrounding mental health.

The gathering opened with prayer and a tribute to the late Sr. Velangani MSI, former president of WBCHA.

Inaugurating the conference, Bishop Fulgence A. Tigga of Raiganj said mental health care should not be viewed merely as a healthcare concern but as part of the Church’s Gospel mission. He urged parishes and Catholic institutions to become places where people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties can find compassion, acceptance and hope.

Delivering the keynote address, Fr. Shinto Mathew OCD, national president of CMHM India, described mental health as a shared responsibility of families, faith communities, educational institutions and healthcare services. He stressed that promoting mental wellbeing requires the participation of everyone and cautioned that neglect of self-care can contribute to mental illness.

Sr. Marina Thapa FC addressed the stigma associated with mental illness, noting that fear, silence and discrimination can become greater obstacles to recovery than the illness itself. She urged participants to create environments where people feel safe to speak about their struggles and seek professional help.

Suicide prevention was another major focus. Edwin Walker, national vice president of CMHM India, explained common warning signs of suicidal behaviour and stressed the importance of early intervention. He encouraged participants to become attentive and compassionate companions to people who may be at risk.

Fr. Gnana Peppin focused on the family as a primary setting for promoting mental wellbeing. He highlighted love, forgiveness, communication and the readiness to apologise as essential elements in building healthy family relationships and, consequently, a healthier society.

Presenting the broader vision of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry, Fr. Santosh Dias, national secretary of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, urged participants to take personal responsibility for turning the Church’s mental health mission into concrete action.

“Nothing will ever happen unless each one takes the responsibility to make it happen,” he said.

The conference subsequently formalised the regional leadership of CMHM for West Bengal and Sikkim. Sr. Marina Thapa FC was elected regional coordinator, along with a Regional Executive Committee, strengthening the Church’s efforts in mental health advocacy, education, counselling and compassionate care.

Participants also took part in practical sessions on suicide prevention, psychological first aid, personality traits and personality disorders. Interactive group discussions provided opportunities for participants to share experiences, deepen their understanding and develop skills in compassionate listening.

The conference also incorporated the 30th Annual General Body Meeting of the West Bengal Catholic Health Association. Fr. Santosh Dias presented an overview of the initiatives of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, while Vipin Joseph introduced COMCARE and outlined its implementation and benefits for Catholic healthcare institutions.

The meeting also elected a new WBCHA Executive Committee, with Sr. Sobhasini FC elected president.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants pledged to work towards establishing Mental Health Ministries in every parish across the West Bengal and Sikkim Region. They also committed themselves to promoting mental health literacy, reducing stigma, strengthening referral services and developing parish communities where people experiencing mental health difficulties are welcomed, accompanied and supported.

The initiative draws inspiration from St. Paul’s exhortation: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

The conference thus marked a significant step in the region’s pastoral response to mental health, placing compassionate accompaniment, human dignity and healing at the heart of the Church’s mission.

By Sr. Clinty Sebastian FC

Catholic Mental Health Ministry

West Bengal & Sikkim Region