The Catholic Church in Kerala has called for the creation of Mental Health Ministries in every parish, diocese, and Church institution to support people facing emotional and psychological struggles.
The appeal was made during the Second Kerala Regional Mental Health Conference, “Manassinoru Karuthal,” held from May 8 to 9 in Kochi. The conference brought together priests, religious, and lay faithful involved in mental health ministry and outreach.
The event was organised by the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) Kerala Region in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Office for Healthcare and the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council Health Commission.
During the conference, Bishop Alex Vadakumthala stressed the urgent need for a compassionate and organised Church response to growing mental health challenges affecting families, youth, elderly people, priests, and religious.
Participants discussed ways to strengthen parish-level mental health ministries using the Good Samaritan model, based on the three steps: Recognize, Respond, and Rebuild.
Church leaders described mental health ministry as an important mission for the whole Church and encouraged active participation from priests, religious, doctors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and laypeople.
The conference also launched a national database of mental health professionals to improve support and coordination in parishes and dioceses across India.
A Malayalam book titled “Manassinoru Karuthal” was released to promote mental health awareness in communities.
The newly introduced Good Samaritan Award was presented to Jipson from the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly for his service in parish-based mental health initiatives.
The conference ended with a strong commitment to expand mental health outreach, reduce stigma, and train more volunteers to care for people in distress.
