By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru: Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore has assured the migrant community in the southern Indian city the Church’s wholehearted support to their concerns.
“We are called as shepherds of the new flock and I assure you all assistance to make your lives meaningful,” the archbishop told some 700 people from various parts of India settled in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka state.
The Commission for the Migrants in the Archdiocese of Bangalore organized the annual International Migrants Day gathering on January 14 at Good Shepherd auditorium in the city.
The prelate asked the participants to bring their views and concerns to the archdiocese.
The participants included people from northeastern India and tribal people from Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. People from various African countries also attended the program.
Priests and nuns, who work among the migrants in the city, also attended.
Salesian Father Edward Thomas, joint secretary of the commission, in his welcome address expressed happiness at the good response to the invitation to the program.
Sanjay Khalkho from Jharkhand, who works as a trainer in presidency college of Hotel Management, said he felt at home and enjoyed being with other migrants. “The commission makes great effort to bring us together and support us various ways,” he added.
Rini Ralte, coordinator for the help desk of the North-Eastern communities in Bangalore, interacted with the participants and shared her experience for a better stay in places such as Bengaluru and other metropolitan cities in India.
The program started with “Praise and worship” led by theSpiritual Revival Ministry and Brothers of Betharram fathers and friends from African continent.
Sister Theresa Meera, provincial superior of the Good Shepherd congregation, in her message stressed the oneness of the migrants community living in and around Bengaluru and their various contribution to our local Church and society.
Monsignor S Jayanathan, vicar general of the archdiocese, led the Mass. “We welcome every migrant person in this archdiocese without any reservation and offer them our service,” he said in his homily.
Different communities showcased their talents during the cultural program held in the afternoon.
Sacred Heart Father Shaju Kalappurakkal, executive secretary for the commission for the migrants in the archdiocese, too expressed happiness at the good participation. “It is you who make the gathering successful,” he told the participants.
Jacinta Khozawl hails from Haflong Parish, Diphu diocese in Assam, said the gathering was a sign of unity among people of migrants in Bengaluru.
The archdiocese of Bangalore formed the commission for the migrants in 2015 and the Bangalore unit of the Conference of Religious India carries out various ministry for the migrants along with the pastoral care.
The commission has been organizing various programs for the migrant communities since its launch.