Archbishop Thomas Netto described mental health care as an essential responsibility of the Church during a national gathering in Assam.
The Catholic Mental Health Ministry called for establishing a dedicated mental health ministry in every Catholic parish. The proposal emerged from the National Mental Health Conference held on November 5 and 6 at the Archdiocese of Guwahati under the theme Breaking Barriers and Bringing Hope.
The event drew 245 participants from across the country to examine growing psychological challenges.
Collaboration between the North East Community Health Association, the Conference of Religious, North East Region, and the CBCI Office for Healthcare resulted in the organization of the conference. Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati inaugurated the proceedings, urging the Church to offer a compassionate presence for people experiencing emotional distress.
Archbishop Thomas Netto, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, delivered a presidential address referring to the Good Samaritan. He urged the Church to reach out to vulnerable families, children, young people, and the elderly.
Building a compassionate and caring Church was not merely an initiative but a Gospel mandate and an urgent need.
Archbishop Netto said.
Archbishop Thomas Tharayil, Ecclesiastical Advisor of CMHM, sent a video address encouraging the ministry to continue promoting holistic well-being. Fr Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, described the national mental health situation and the specific challenges facing the North Eastern states.
Participants also discussed cultural stigma and misconceptions that prevent individuals from seeking psychological support. Through a video message, International President of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers Deacon Ed Shoener spoke to the attendees to highlight the importance of reinforcing these support systems.
VG Hospital in Assam received the CMHM National Award for Excellence in Community Mental Health, presented by Archbishop Albert Hemrom.
Sr Dr Rani Augustine presented the ministry’s broader vision, while regional representatives shared localized frameworks. Sr Dr Aniamma Kurian detailed the Odisha model, and Jipson shared experiences from the Kerala Regional Team.
A primary outcome of the gathering was the formation of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry Regional Team for North East India. Fr Esack Rayappan was appointed Regional Director, alongside Associate Directors Fr Chacko, Sr Theresa Joseph MSMHC, and Fr George Shining SDB.
State-level coordinators were selected to expand grassroots awareness programmes, early identification procedures, and referral services. The conference also proposed observing Mental Health Sunday on the second Sunday of October each year to challenge ongoing social stigma.
The Catholic Mental Health Ministry has expanded its reach through capacity-building initiatives and institutional partnerships, building toward a shared responsibility where no individual faces psychological distress alone.
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