Indian Church sets up a portal for 450 million internal migrants
The platform was launched by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India-Latin rite on the eve of World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Migrants can register to be welcomed and helped by host communities. Migrants bring wealth to local parishes, as was visible last Sunday in Mumbai during the Karam festival, celebrated by over 800 Catholic migrants at St Stephen's Church.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – On the eve of World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which the Church celebrates this Sunday all over the world on the theme indicated by Pope Francis, "God walks with his people”, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India -Latin Rite (CCBI) inaugurated a new digital portal integrated with the CatholicConnect platform, aimed at helping migrants who move to other parts of the country or other regions of the world seeking work.
India has one of the largest diasporas, as well as over 450 million internal migrants, people who often face challenges like exploitation and access to basic services. Hence, the Catholic Church is stepping up efforts to assist not only migrants, but also refugees, internally displaced persons, unaccompanied minors, and victims of human trafficking.
The portal will serve as a vital resource, allowing migrants to register and access Church services regardless of their location.
Dioceses and parishes across India will support the initiative by helping migrants register, while trained volunteers from migrant communities will lend a helping hand to those in need.
During the ceremony inaugurating the initiative, Fr Jaison Vadassery, the National Secretary of the Commission for Labour of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), stressed that the service is open to everyone, regardless of caste, creed or religion. CCBI President Card Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa, was present at the event.
“The portal will enable the Church to accompany migrants in a more meaningful way, as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he explained.
The platform will help migrants enrol in government programmes and assist them during emergencies, for example, providing health care or education to their children.
Along with this type of assistance, the pastoral life of migrant communities is also a major focus, aimed at enhancing migrants’ traditions.
The Karam festival is a beautiful example of this. Held last Sunday at St Stephen's Church in Cumbala Hill, Mumbai, this vibrant celebration harmoniously intertwines spirituality, culture and community. This year it drew more than 800 members of the Hindi migrant tribal community, gathering for this annual harvest festival, which is deeply rooted in their tradition.
The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration in Hindi followed by activities in which each community had the opportunity to show its dances, songs and culture.
For Mgr Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, “It was indeed a joy to watch their synchronised steps and unison singing, with smiles radiating inner joy, which spoke volumes of the inner harmony that exists among these simple but very loving, caring and charitable people.
“Most of these migrants work as domestic workers. They are simple but deep in their spirituality with great faith and trust in Jesus Christ. They are truly people who express their faith through their unique culture, which is seen so much in the rhythm of their lives. It was truly a very enriching and humbling experience for me.”
What is more, “We at St. Stephen’s Church, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai can certainly affirm what the Holy Father says about encountering the Lord in the Migrants”.
At a personal level, “I feel spiritually uplifted to experience the witnessing of deep faith and Gospel values exhibited by the Hindi migrant community of our parish, from Chotanagpur and other regions, despite all the challenges that they face of being away from home.
“Their whole-hearted participation in the Hindi Mass celebrated every Sunday through singing, dance and response to the prayers lend a great example to us. [. . .] Their strong faith helps them to bond as a community and hold on to their roots and rich tradition.”
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11/08/2017 20:05
