Church leaders called to be signs of hope for migrants and vulnerable communities

The members of the Church must become signs of hope for migrants and the people on the peripheries, said Cardinal Philip Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, western India.

Speaking at a gathering of diocesan secretaries of the Commission for Migrants from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Cardinal Ferrao reminded the Church of its mission, especially in this Jubilee Year, to be a source of hope.

He referenced Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, emphasizing the Church’s call to accompany and uplift those in distress.

The Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Migrants organized the event at Shanti Sadan Pastoral Centre, Goa.

Exhorting all, Ferrao, president of CCBI and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), said,  "We need to care for the elderly, the sick, and all those in need, especially those in vulnerable situations."

Highlighting the lives of St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz, he described them as models of relationship-building, which he called the foundation of pastoral care for migrants and other vulnerable groups. Caring and empowerment happen through relationships, he stressed.

St. Francis Xavier, a missionary to India, and St. Joseph Vaz, a missionary to Sri Lanka, expressed their love, compassion, and solidarity with the people through communication, which is a vital skill for migrant ministry in this Jubilee Year.

The two-day meeting, held from February 20-21, was attended by 25 representatives from various dioceses, religious congregations, and members of the CCBI Council for Migrants.

Discussions focused on the socio-political realities that force poor and marginalized people to migrate in search of livelihood and food.

The participants noted the lack of comprehensive data on migrants, particularly labor migrants. They emphasized the need for greater awareness among host communities about the principles of welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating migrants.

The meeting also appreciated government initiatives such as seasonal hostels, which provide care for migrants' children when their parents migrate for work, and other welfare programs for migrants.

During the meeting, key decisions were made. The participants committed to raising awareness among church members about migrant issues and encouraging dioceses to become proactive in caring for migrants, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

They would create free spaces for migrants within dioceses, establish functional help desks, and strengthen inter-diocesan networks and collaboration between diocesan departments to ensure safe migration.

Ms. Christine Nathan, President of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), addressed the growing anti-migrant policies and xenophobic attitudes in society.

She stated that no one is an alien in this world. Every human being has inherent dignity, and xenophobia goes against the fundamental values of human society.
Father Jaison Vadassery, secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, emphasized the active involvement of dioceses in providing pastoral care services to migrants in distress.

Advocate Sister Rani highlighted the importance of pre-departure training, which helps migrants migrate safely and return securely.

Dr. Martin Patric, Dr. Bernard D’Samy, and Father Mariano Cisco, the resource persons, also contributed insights on migration trends and the need for policy interventions. The meeting reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to migrant care and advocacy, urging dioceses and religious congregations to be protagonists of change in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.