Indian Catholic Missionary Volunteers Renew Commitment to Serve Marginalized Communities

Communio Missionary Volunteers renewed their commitment to serving marginalized communities during a four-day formation program held from October 1 to 4 at Nitika Don Bosco, a Salesian center in Kolkata, eastern India.

Under the theme “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move,” the program brought together volunteers for prayer, missionary formation, community service, and reflection on their commitment to the Church’s mission.

Communio is an initiative of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) that supports dioceses and religious congregations working in rural and mission areas. Its vision is to transform interdependence into solidarity by forming missionary disciples committed to serving communities in need.

Fr. Sunil Kerketta, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, inaugurated the program and urged the volunteers to remain rooted in Jesus while serving the Church and people in need with enthusiasm and generosity.

The program was coordinated by Sr. Margarita Dias, SCB, Associate Director of Communio Trainings and Programs, with the participation of Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI and Director of Communio, and Fr. Glasten Gonsalves, Associate Director of Communio.

In a formation session, Fr. Stephen encouraged the volunteers to maintain their commitment to Jesus, saying that missionary service must flow from a personal relationship with him. Fr. Glasten led another session on “Making a Difference through Passion,” challenging participants to serve with conviction, joy, and love rather than merely out of obligation.

A visit to Prem Dan, a home run by the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata for people who are destitute and in need of care, gave volunteers an opportunity to encounter vulnerable people and reflect on the practical meaning of missionary discipleship.

The program also included Scripture-based activities, group reflections, fellowship, and Eucharistic Adoration. Activities such as “Smile, Jesus Loves You” and “Let It Go to Grow in Values” invited participants to reflect on their relationship with Christ and identify attitudes and habits that could hinder their growth in Gospel values.

Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur presided over a Mass and encouraged the volunteers to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer. He reminded them that even a brief but sincere encounter with Christ could touch a person’s heart and begin a process of transformation.

Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta also addressed the volunteers, urging them to become witnesses to Christ’s compassion through humble accompaniment and solidarity with marginalized people. He offered his apostolic blessing to strengthen their missionary commitment.

A highlight of the gathering was a visit to the tomb of St. Teresa of Kolkata, Communio’s patron saint. The volunteers prayed the Rosary and participated in a commitment and recommitment ceremony, renewing their dedication to Jesus and the Church’s mission.

The program concluded with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Nirmol Gomes, SDB, of Krishnagar. In his homily, he encouraged the volunteers to use their God-given gifts for the growth of the Church and to make the Gospel visible through their lives.

The closing evaluation allowed participants to share their experiences and suggest improvements for future programs. Organizers said the gathering sought to strengthen the volunteers’ sense of belonging to one missionary community and encourage them to translate their formation into concrete service in their dioceses, parishes, and communities.

The program was hosted at Nitika Don Bosco with support from the Salesian community, including Fr. Nobel, SDB, rector of the provincial house, and Bro. Roshan Ekka, SDB, director and administrator of Nitika Don Bosco.