The Catholic Church in India has launched a systematic campaign to address growing mental illness in groups including families and religious communities. 

“We decided to take up mental health as a major concern and set up the structure in response to increased family conflicts, death by suicide among young adults, and even among religious,” said Archbishop Thomas Tharayil, the chairman of the Mental Health Ministry of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. 

“Mental health issues are on the increase both in personal lives and in families and service fields. The Church has to reach out to those in trouble at different levels from diocese to parishes,” Tharayil told CNA from Changanacherry in southern Kerala state. …

The ministry emerged at the national two-day convention jointly organized by the India chapter of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and the Indian bishops’ health care commission in April 2024 in Bangalore. 

The two-day conference, which was attended by half a dozen bishops besides more than 250 religious, clergy, experts, and professionals, examined “the role of the Church as a healing community and the difference between mental health and spiritual well-being.” 

The conference called for “spiritually accompanying individuals suffering from mental illness at the grassroots level — the diocese, parish, and community level.” 

“The setting up of the Mental Health Ministry is the fruit of this conference,” Medical Mission Sister Joan Chunkapura told CNA. 

“Depression and anxiety and other personality disorders are also on the increase due to stress and uncertainty and work pressure. Increasing numbers of suicides challenge us to set up more systems to serve those in mental crisis,” said the nun, who serves as the ministry secretary and who has done psychological counseling for four decades. 

Dozens of priests and nuns have died by suicide in the past two decades due to depression, other mental health issues, or sexual exploitation, she said. 

Conferences and seminars are being held in different parts of the country, Chunkapura said. 

“We have been looking at setting up a national framework to address mental health effectively amid increasing challenges,” Carmelite Father Shinto Thomas told CNA. The priest, based in Bangalore, has been appointed president of the mental health ministry… 

“The Indian Bishops’ Conference is setting an example to inspire other countries,” Shoener told CNA. 

“Though our Mental Health network is associated and working in 75 countries, India is one of the countries where [the bishops have] taken it up seriously and set up a program for it,” the deacon said. 

“I have met representatives from the CBCI in my trips to India in 2024 and then again in 2025. They have embraced mental health ministry and have taken important steps to develop the ministry for the Indian context,” he added…  Article courtesy of the Catholic News Agency 

In Manipur, India, violence erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei tribe and the Kuki-Zo tribe.  Naga ethnic groups also live in this state, along with other minority groups. More than 60,000 people have been displaced, and the different ethnic groups are isolated in strictly segregated areas…  Since February 13, 2025, Manipur has been under the direct presidential administration of New Delhi, while the formation of a government is being considered, which could include members of the Kuki, Meitei, and Naga groups. 

"As things stand, reconciliation in the state of Manipur is still premature. As far as I can see, there is still resentment in people's hearts, much suffering, and psychological trauma. It will take some time before the wounds heal and we can speak of dialogue again," says Father Marcus Thangminlun, CMF, a priest of the Claretian Missionaries who was recently ordained in the Claretian community of Manipur, in an interview with Fides…   

Today, it is very difficult to speak of coexistence,” he observes. Father Marcus, who comes from Manipur and serves as a priest in this complex situation, emphasizes: “As a priest, I speak about peace and try to be an apostle of peace among both ordinary people and civil leaders. Above all, we always pray for peace.” 

“Our charism is to proclaim the Word of God and respond to the signs of the times: We are trying to do this here in Manipur, in a torn society. Only the Spirit of God can heal the wounds and bring about an era of reconciliation.” 

The Claretians have established the “St. Claret Mission” and opened three centers for displaced people in three rural districts of Manipur: “We help the people; we have established schools in the parishes to meet the needs of the displaced. These are internally displaced persons who have come primarily from the capital, Imphal, and cannot return to their homes and their lives before the conflict. In some cases, their homes and property have been destroyed. Today they are alone and have no means of survival; they have no schools. Among my confreres, four Claretians dedicate themselves to these people, bringing them comfort and concrete help.”  

“Some of the displaced,” he recalls, “have found a small house to settle in, thanks to the help of the Diocese of Imphal. Many others have nothing; they live in total poverty. The social and political situation is at a standstill, and there are no easy solutions. We are hoping for everyone’s goodwill.” 

Article from FIDES missionary news service of the Pontifical Mission Societies.    

This year in Malawi, more than 100,000 children participated as protagonists in the celebration of Missionary Childhood Day. 

Missionary Childhood Day coincides with the Solemnity of the Epiphany. At the local level, the particular Churches organize the celebrations in different ways and at different times. In Malawi, this year the Day was celebrated on Sunday, January 4, and saw broad and very active participation from dioceses and parishes. Specific celebrations were organized throughout the country, in which numerous bishops took part. The children actively participated as choir members, readers, altar boys, and leaders of the assemblies, and they also enlivened the moments of prayer with dances. 

The theme of Missionary Childhood Day echoes that chosen for World Mission Day 2026: “One in Christ, united in mission.” 

In all the celebrations, the celebrants reminded everyone that parents are called to set a good example for their children, accompanying them and helping them to find Jesus in their own lives. In each diocese, the bishops emphasized the Day’s central message in various ways, often drawing inspiration from the solemnity of the Epiphany. 

In the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Archbishop George Tambala affirmed that all those who hold positions of responsibility in society and in the family should be like the “star” that guides children to God. In the Diocese of Karonga, Bishop Mtumbuka invited children to be “stars” for one another, like the star that led the Magi to the birthplace of the Child Jesus. In the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa expressed his satisfaction with the way the children led the day's liturgy, demonstrating their conscious participation in the liturgical celebration. 

In the Diocese of Zomba, Bishop Alfred Chaima emphasized that prayer education is an essential feature of a rich and grateful Christian life. Finally, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Dedza expressed his satisfaction that, during this year's celebration of World Missionary Childhood Day, the parishes of Kanyama made very generous contributions to the Universal Solidarity Fund. 

Article from FIDES missionary news service of the Pontifical Mission Societies.  Please remember the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Diocese of Ogdensburg INC. when writing or changing your will.  

 ​“Maintenance work on the paths and roads in the parish territory has begun again. At a time of year when agricultural work slows down, a small wage is very helpful and gives encouragement to many people. The two main roads leading to the local agricultural markets are now more passable, even by mule. And for our students, the path to school is also safer.” This is the testimony of Father Massimo Miraglio, a Camillian missionary in Haiti, writing from the community of Pourcine Pic-Macaya, describing the resilience that animates the entire population in such a difficult context as that of the Caribbean island. 

“Before dawn,” continues the missionary, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, “at least a hundred children, young people, adults, and the elderly go down to the river to carry, each according to their means, a little sand to continue building the small house intended to welcome visitors, for the hospitality of those who will come to support community projects. Without a doubt, this is a beautiful community initiative,” emphasizes Father Massimo, “in preparation for the work that awaits us in the near future for the construction of the outpatient clinic.”

Wednesday, December 17, was the last day of classes for the students of the parish literacy school. “Classes will resume, we hope with the same enthusiasm, on January 7. The exams are over, and on Saturday the 20th we had our Christmas celebration, which everyone attended.” After the opening prayer and a few words about the meaning of Christmas, the dancing, singing, and poetry began. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone showed a great desire to demonstrate their skills. This enthusiasm fills us with hope to start anew, from the youngest, to rebuild a different community. “We ask the Child Jesus for the gift of wisdom to guide our children well,” the Camillian priest concluded.

The school has about 230 students and fifteen teachers, distributed among several classes spread throughout the parish territory. Article from FIDES missionary news service of the Pontifical Mission Societies.  Please remember the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Diocese of Ogdensburg INC. when writing or changing your will.