By Fr Adolf Washington
Bengaluru, Aug 28: ‘Migrants need urgent attention’ was the punch-word and the heart of discussion at a consultation organized by the archdiocese of Bengaluru on August 27 in collaboration with delegates from various congregations across Bengaluru.
In his address to the gathering archbishop Bernard Moras said, “We started well a couple of years ago. We got the co operation and support of various congregations for the ministry to migrants. But due to transfers we were not able to pursue this. Now we have gathered here to ensure that our ministry to migrants goes ahead on a war-footing.”
The prelate noted that Bengaluru city is having an influx of thousands of migrants both from within the state and from other parts of the country and even from other nations. “People come here in search of jobs and also to pursue their studies. But they feel so lost and lonely. The Holy Father has oft hearkened to the cry of migrants in his speeches. Migration has affected the family. The Holy Mother Church is making an effort to help migrants feel loved and cared for. I often receive calls from bishops informing me that there are people from their dioceses who have migrated to Bengaluru on work or study. They ask with great concern as to what care is being given to them. I am happy that there are so many religious who are coming forward to support the archdiocese in this venture to minister to migrants.”
The archbishop observed that even the secular media were deeply appreciative of the move to address the problems of migrants.
Jesuit priest Fr Martin Puthussery, coordinator of the ‘Labor and migration unit’ of the Indian Social Institute (ISI) in Bengaluru told the gathering, “There is an urgent need to address the issues concerning migrants. Statistics dangerously reveal that the families are in peril with increasing migration of people who are in search of jobs. The church has to hear this cry in the wilderness of people who are shifting base into cities for education and employment for various reasons. They need succor and an identity to survive. The church has already been doing much, though we can do much more.” Fr Martin told the gathering that failing monsoons, frustrations in the agrarian sector is pushing people into cities for survival, but civic structures cannot take the toll. “It is encouraging,” he said, “that the church is addressing this issue.”
Archbishop Bernard Moras who heads the catholic archdiocese of Bengaluru humbly lamented, “We started with a good intent to cater to migrants who take base in Bengaluru but due to transfers of religious personnel, the mission for migrants appear stagnant. I am happy that we can tide over these tides and work on our mission for migrants.”
During deliberations at the consultation it was felt that migrants ‘need to be identified and feel at home in Bengaluru city which is the cradle of ever growing opportunities for work and study.’ Vicar general Msgr Jayanathan noted, “There are two groups of migrants; those who work and go away and those who are totally re-located.
Archbishop Bernard Moras in his inaugural message and interaction with groups during the discussion said “Nobody should feel lost and nobody should live with fear of lack of identity. I echo the words of Pope Francis urging catholics to promote an ambience of love and peace.
A footage of NTDV indicating that 80,000 people migrate to cities every year due to failing monsoons and desperate agrarian crises was screened. The consultation noted that Bangalore city has a high rate of migrants who are unfortunate victims of abuse and police atrocities due to lack of identity. Counseling, health care and opportunities for worship were some suggestions that ensued from the discussions.