By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Sept 30, 2024: The 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees was observed in various dioceses in India with Mass and cultural programs.
The day is set apart by the Catholic Church to express solidarity, concern, love, and support for people on the move.
In the national capital, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi celebrated Mass on September 29 for the intentions and well-being of migrants and refugees in India. The program marked a day solidarity, hope and cultural unity.
On the same day in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, Father Francis Sunil Rosario, archdiocesan secretary of the Commission of Migrants, led the Mass that focused on the day’s theme – “God walks with His people.”
The September 29 program at New Delhi’s Sacred Heart Cathedral drew members of the Burmese and Afghan communities, internally displaced persons, and domestic workers.
Pope Francis, while announcing the theme in May, stressed that like the Israelites fleeing from distress, migrants today are escaping poverty, life-threatening situations, slavery, and other hardships. They are seeking a brighter future for them and their families.
During the cultural program at the Diocesan Community Hall on the cathedral campus, the archbishop encouraged migrants, assuring them that the Church stands with them.
He said the Church must not only address the immediate emergencies of migrants but help them rebuild their lives, turning their struggles into blessings. He called for everyone to come together as Good Samaritans to improve the lives of migrants in India.
Father Jaison Vadassery, the executive secretary, spoke about the status of refugees in India, noting that while India has not signed the international conventions recognizing refugees, many have been living here for more than 20 years, hoping for asylum or permanent settlement in a third country.
He expressed hope that the Indian government would expedite efforts to care for migrants and refugees, treating them with dignity and respect, in line with Indian tradition.
The event also featured testimonies from migrants and refugees. Augustine Pausuandalbuansi from the Burmese community shared how this day has become significant in his people’s lives, providing a sense of welcome and respect.
Cicila Tungdim, an internally displaced person from Manipur, spoke about the ongoing struggles in her northeastern Indian state and the trauma her family faced during the riots, while expressing hope for peace and harmony.
He hailed Pope Francis as a champion of the poor and the marginalised, who has seriously taken up the advocacy for migrants and refugees.
“In fact, the Catholic Church has been observing the day since 1914 to express its concern for vulnerable people on the move,” he added.
Father Rosario noted that India has a sizable chunk of internal migrants who have left their homes in search of better prospects and also for marriage.
The priest quoted the latest United Nations report on migrants and refugees to say that more people are now being forced to leave homes and cited as examples the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and the ethnic persecution in Manipur.
After the Mass, Christ the King Church Parish Pastoral Council organized a multi-cultural program of song and dance, interspersed with blood-circulation exercises. Music maestro Derek Fernandes enthralled the audience with his masterly keyboard play.
Inputs by Alby Stephen and Isaac Harold Gomes