“You Are Not Alone”: Church Stands with Migrants and Refugees in New Delhi

The Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi, India, came alive on September 28 with the celebration of the World Day and Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees, drawing more than 250 participants including migrant communities, internally displaced persons, clergy, religious, and parishioners. The gathering was marked by faith, solidarity, and a spirit of shared humanity.

Bishop Deepak Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi and the newly appointed Chairman of the Diocesan Commission for Migrants, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he reminded the faithful that the Jubilee of Migrants is a call to be true “Pilgrims of Hope.” He emphasized that migrants and refugees are not numbers but brothers and sisters with faces, stories, and dreams.

“Their journeys mirror Christ himself, who was once a refugee,” he said. “As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent, we are called to welcome, to build bridges, and to make room for them in our hearts and communities.” He urged all to live the Gospel through compassion and solidarity: “Every time we welcome the stranger and share what we have, we do not just help others, we become Christ to them.”

After Mass, participants gathered in the Community Hall for cultural programs, games, and fellowship. Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, assured migrants: “You are not alone, we are with you.” He underlined the Church’s commitment, calling their presence “a living reminder of Christ who journeys with His people.”

Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, thanked the community for their participation and reaffirmed the Commission’s mission of accompaniment and care. “Your pain is our pain, your hopes are our hopes,” he said. “The Commission is here to listen, to support, and to stand by you as a family of faith.”

Other speakers, including Fr. Martin Puthussery, SJ, Director of Migrants Assistance and Information Network; Dr. T. Philip Thanglienmang of the North East Catholic Community of Delhi, Goodwill Mission; and Sr. Inigo Joachim SSA, expressed solidarity and encouraged migrants to hold fast to hope.

Songs and dances by the Myanmar community, internally displaced persons from Manipur, and other migrant groups showcased the richness of their cultures while celebrating unity in faith.

Jointly organized by the CCBI Commission for Migrants and the Delhi Diocesan Commission for Migrants, the event was a strong witness to the Church’s mission of compassion and solidarity. As Bishop Deepak and Fr. Alathara reminded, standing with migrants is not optional but central to the Gospel itself.