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CBCI Office for Healthcare Holds National Mental Health Conference with its network CMHM
14 October 2025
CBCI Office for Healthcare Holds National Mental Health Conference with its network CMHM
New Delhi, October 11, 2025: The Catholic Church in India reaffirmed its commitment to mental health and pastoral care through the National Mental Health Conference organized by the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) under the CBCI Office for Healthcare. The two-day conference, held from October 10–11 at Changanacherry, Kerala, was centered on the theme “Raising Awareness and Fostering Change.”
The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Bishop Lumen Monteiro, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Healthcare, in the presence of Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CBCI Office for Healthcare; Fr. Shinto Mathew, National President of CMHM; Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS, National Secretary of CMHM; Fr. Subin, Associate Director of CMHM Kerala Region; and Fr. Bijo, Convenor.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Lumen emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated mental health ministry in every parish community, stressing that mental wellness is an essential part of living a healthy life of faith. The conference brought together priests, religious, and lay participants from dioceses across India, creating a dynamic forum for dialogue and collaboration within the Church.
The two-day event featured a series of expert talks and panel discussions addressing key mental health concerns faced by individuals and faith communities. Dr. Sr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS, spoke on Midlife Reappraisal and Its Management, while Dr. Chikku Mathew, a leading psychiatrist, discussed Managing Depression Among Youth. Dr. Varghese Punnoose, Principal of Kottayam Medical College, presented on Personality Disorders and Their Impact on Life.
Dr. Sr. Rani Augustine, MSA, National Director of CMHM Outreach, shared insights on Implementing Mental Health Promotion in Ministry Settings. Dr. Jonathan Lourdusamy focused on Challenges in Adolescent Psychiatry, and Fr. Faustine Lobo, Director of Fr. Muller Medical College, elaborated on Pioneering Mental Health Ministry in India.
The discussions also featured Dr. Bobby Thomas Kokkat, who spoke on Collaborative Care in Dementia, and Mr. Sigi Antony, who addressed Addiction in Modern Life. Dr. Patricia Viego, Director of CMHM Parish Ministry, explained Starting CMHM Ministry in Parishes, while Mr. Edwin Waker emphasized Grassroots Involvement in Mental Wellbeing.
Fr. Santhosh Dias reflected on Leadership and Strategic Planning for Mental Health in the Catholic Church, and Adv. Febby Mathew examined The Impact of Disasters on Mental Health. The conference concluded with a session by Dr. Sr. Sally John, who highlighted Mental Healthcare among Religious Sisters.
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