The North Region Commission for Migrants of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) organized a two-day workshop titled “Journeying Together as People of India: Walking with Migrants” on March 16–17, 2026, at the Archbishop’s House in New Delhi.
Around 150 participants from dioceses, religious congregations, and organizations across North India attended the program.
The workshop brought together pastoral workers, religious, social activists, and experts to reflect on the spiritual, pastoral, social, and legal dimensions of migration, with special focus on the realities of migrants and refugees in the region. It aimed to strengthen the Church’s coordinated pastoral response and collaborative action in addressing migration challenges.
Prayer services and spiritual accompaniment, animated by the Diocesan Evangelisation Commission and the Burmese Catholic community, formed a key part of the gathering. Through reflections, hymns, and shared prayer, participants were reminded that the Church’s response to migration is deeply rooted in faith, compassion, and communion with God.
In the inaugural session, Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, highlighted the Church’s mission of accompanying migrants and the need for coordinated initiatives across dioceses. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, emphasized the growing responsibility of the Church to respond effectively to increasing migration, displacement, and exploitation.
Legal experts and human rights activists addressed issues such as labour rights, discrimination, bonded labour, and human trafficking, while also outlining legal mechanisms available to protect migrant workers. A session on faith-based responses underscored the role of Church institutions and civil society in promoting dignity and justice.
The first day concluded with the Eucharistic celebration led by Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro of Delhi and Chairman of the North Region Commission for Migrants, who reflected on migrants seeking opportunity, those displaced by distress, and Christ who journeys with them. He urged participants to recognize Christ in every migrant.
On the second day, Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto of Delhi celebrated the Eucharist, encouraging participants to become instruments of hope and healing, inspired by the Gospel.
Dr. Eduardo Gabriel of the Scalabrini Congregation spoke on migration in the Bible and Catholic Social Teaching, while Ms. Celine from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) highlighted the need for partnerships among agencies, governments, and faith groups to ensure protection for displaced persons.
A sharing session featured representatives from various dioceses, Jesuit Refugee Service, BOSCO Delhi, and internally displaced persons from Manipur, who shared experiences and challenges in migrant ministry.
The workshop concluded with action planning focused on safe migration, combating trafficking, addressing root causes, and strengthening networks.
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