Changanacherry: In a landmark effort to integrate faith and mental wellness, the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM), functioning under the CBCI Office for Healthcare, organized a two-day National Mental Health Conference from October 10 to 11 in Changanacherry, Kerala. Centered on the theme “Raising Awareness and Fostering Change,” the conference united priests, religious, and lay representatives from dioceses across India, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to holistic well-being and compassionate outreach.
The event was inaugurated by Bishop Lumen Monteiro, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, who emphasized the urgent need for mental health ministries within parishes. In his opening address, Bishop Monteiro called for a collective pastoral response to the growing mental health challenges facing society, urging Church institutions to move beyond awareness and implement sustained, community-based care initiatives.
The conference featured insightful sessions led by experts and resource persons, covering diverse aspects of psychological well-being, pastoral counseling, and community mental health engagement. Participants explored how faith-based approaches can effectively complement professional mental health interventions, particularly in addressing stigma, family struggles, and youth distress.
In a moving observance of World Mental Health Day, CMHM organized a special event at St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha, presided over by Archbishop Thomas Tharayil. He was joined by Bishops Lumen Monteiro and Alex Vadakumthala, and Fr. Mathew Koyickal, who together emphasized the Church’s moral responsibility to accompany those battling emotional and psychological suffering. Archbishop Tharayil, addressing the youth, underscored the role of the Church in offering hope and pastoral care amid growing mental health crises.
Bishop Vadakumthala highlighted the foundational importance of strong and nurturing family life as a cornerstone of mental wellness, while Fr. Koyickal commended CMHM’s consistent efforts in building awareness and forming volunteers trained to respond compassionately to mental health needs in parishes and institutions.
A major highlight of the conference was the awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to mental health care and advocacy across India.
Sr. Rose Paite, MSMHC, received the Jenamma Thomas Mental Health Award for her pioneering wellness initiatives in the Northeast region.
Dr. George Padanilam was honored with the Late Rev. Dr. Antony Mannarkulam Award for his dedicated service to persons with disabilities.
Ms. Rita James from Delhi was presented with the Chiara Luce Badano Youth Award for her passionate advocacy on youth mental health and awareness.
Reports from regional CMHM networks including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Western Region, Agra, Jharkhand, Bihar, and the Northeast highlighted the growing grassroots impact of the ministry. Each region shared best practices and emerging challenges, reinforcing the Church’s national strategy to integrate mental health care into its mission of compassion and healing.
The two-day national conference concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among Church institutions, healthcare professionals, and communities. CMHM reaffirmed its vision to make the Church a beacon of psychological support and hope, ensuring that no individual facing mental distress walks alone.
Through initiatives like this, the Catholic Church in India continues to bridge faith and science embracing mental health not as a peripheral concern, but as an essential part of human dignity and pastoral care.