One day, Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, witnessed a disturbing incident. Two members of the Chotanagpur migrant community were beaten up by locals after a drunken quarrel, right in full public view. The men were thrashed mercilessly while the crowd stood by in silence, watching without intervening. What pained him most was not only the violence itself but also the absence of anyone willing to step forward in their defense. “They suffered the blows like aliens,” he recalls, “with no one to stop the assault or raise a voice for them.” That was the moment Fr. Pereira resolved to dedicate himself to serving the Chotanagpur migrants in Goa.
It was the year 2000. At that time, he was only a student, pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at Nirmala Niketan College in Mumbai, and was in Goa conducting research for his thesis on “Living and Working Conditions of Migrants on Fishing Trawlers.” After completing his studies, he sought permission from his Provincial Superior to return to Goa, where he began working among the Chotanagpur migrants. Today, he stands with them not only as a priest who provides for their spiritual needs, but also as a companion in their hardships, an advocate for their rights, and a bridge toward their integration into society. His ministry interweaves faith and action, transforming despair into hope and isolation into belonging.
The Chotanagpur Migrant Community
The Chotanagpur migrants in Goa are largely tribal and Adivasi people whose roots trace back to the Chotanagpur plateau of eastern India, covering parts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal. Many among them are Catholics, the fruit of 19th-century Christian missions in their homelands, though others remain Hindu or continue to follow indigenous tribal traditions. They bring with them a rich cultural heritage of worship, music, and dance, which they have worked to preserve even in migration. In Goa today, they form a distinct community, engaged mostly in construction, mining, domestic work, and daily-wage labor, with many living in modest rented rooms or makeshift colonies near urban centers.
Mission Among Migrants
Fr. Michael’s ministry is truly multi-dimensional, reaching far beyond the sanctuary of the Church. Spiritually, he celebrates Masses in Hindi, administers the sacraments, arranges retreats, visits families, and tends to the sick. Economically, he fosters stability through Self-Help Groups that run tailoring classes, candle-making projects, and farming on leased land, while also creating small income opportunities during community programs. Education is another vital area of focus: he assists children with school admissions and hostels, encourages young people to take up vocational training in nursing, hotel management, and other fields, and offers financial assistance when necessary.
In moments of crisis, whether death, suicide, exploitation, or addiction, Fr. Michael often becomes the first responder, helping organize funerals, repatriate bodies, or guide individuals into de-addiction and recovery. He also ensures that cultural identity is preserved, supporting celebrations such as Karam, Indigenous Day, Christmas, Women’s Day, and Workers’ Day, which strengthen community bonds.
Youth Ministry and Leadership
Youth ministry has been a cornerstone of his work. Starting in Verna with a small group of young migrants, he founded the Chotanagpur Youth Group, Goa, which now has more than 200 members across the state. This initiative has grown into a nationally recognized movement, acknowledged by the CCBI Youth Commission as the Migrant Youth Movement of India. Through retreats, sports, leadership training, and cultural events, the movement empowers migrant youth to find their voice and place in society.
Fr. Michael describes his ministry as a blend of pastoral visits, livelihood initiatives, youth formation, and crisis response. He credits the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) for making this work possible. The SVD Mumbai Province, which covers Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, has long been dedicated to migrant ministry, building strong networks of support between the sending regions of eastern India and the receiving states of the west and south. His ministry, while deeply rooted in pastoral care, extends to people of all faiths, Catholics, Hindus, Muslims, and others alike, offering livelihood and support without distinction. For him, this universality is a living witness to Christ’s love.
Challenges and Inspiration
Serving migrants is not without opposition. Many in society resist their empowerment and integration, and Fr. Michael has at times faced criticism and even verbal abuse for supporting their education and rights. Yet he remains undeterred. “It’s not easy to face these problems without the help of God,” he admits. “I spend time in prayer and place my ministry in His hands. When I feel discouraged, I draw strength from Jesus.”
One powerful moment of inspiration came when a 21-year-old migrant youth, broken and addicted to alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and who had attempted suicide twice, came to him pleading, “Father, I am fed up with my life. Please help me.” Initially hesitant, Fr. Michael soon recognized the young man’s sincerity. With the support of a Jesuit priest, he arranged for rehabilitation. Two months later, the youth returned transformed, clean, employed in a hotel, and even able to obtain a passport with Fr. Michael’s guidance. Such stories remind him of the power of compassion to change lives.
Church and Migrants
“As a Church, one of our greatest challenges is integrating migrants into the mainstream of parish life,” Fr. Michael reflects. Some parishes in Goa have already welcomed migrants as parish council members, a gesture he hopes others will embrace. “We need to consider them as brothers and sisters in Christ,” he urges. To seminarians and young religious, he offers this advice: “From formation itself, prepare to accept migrant ministry as one of your missions.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Fr. Michael dreams of seeing migrant youth fully integrated into parish youth groups, not as outsiders, but as equal members of the community. His mission is not simply about service, but about belonging, dignity, and hope. From witnessing an act of injustice on a Goan street to becoming a lifeline for hundreds of migrant families, Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, continues to embody a mission of hope among the Chotanagpur migrants of Goa.
