Dibrugarh, Assam: The Diocese of Dibrugarh recently hosted an impactful Orientation Programme on Labour and Migrants on October 31, 2024, marking a significant step in its commitment to supporting the rights and welfare of migrant workers in Assam. Spearheaded by the Labour and Migrant Commission in collaboration with the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the North East India Regional Bishops Council (NEIRBC), this event brought together religious leaders, community figures, and legal experts to explore the unique challenges faced by migrant communities and foster meaningful dialogue.
Held at the Dibrugarh Parish Hall, the program featured esteemed speakers Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI, and Rev. Sr. Shobha Kandathil, Secretary of NEIRBC, who offered valuable insights and guidance. The sessions were aimed at equipping parish representatives with the necessary knowledge and tools to enhance their outreach to migrant communities.
Prior to the event, Most Rev. Dr. Albert Hemrom, Bishop of Dibrugarh, had extended an invitation to parish priests, their assistants, touring sisters, and two English-speaking laypersons from each parish, highlighting the importance of solidarity with the migrant community. In his address, Bishop Hemrom emphasized that this orientation is part of a broader mission by the Diocese to foster compassionate, informed action for those often marginalized within society.
“Through this program, we aim to deepen our understanding of the migrant experience and learn effective ways to support those who labor tirelessly yet are often marginalized,” stated Fr. Robert Kujur, Diocesan Secretary for the Labour and Migrant Commission, who coordinated the event.
Agenda Highlights: Building a Framework of Support
The day’s schedule included four engaging sessions, beginning with an arrival and tea session at 9:30 a.m. and opening with a prayer and introductory talk by Bishop Hemrom. Quoting passages such as Matthew 25:35, Hebrews 13:2, and Exodus 23:9, Bishop Hemrom urged attendees to see Christ in the migrants and to embrace their responsibilities toward the marginalized.
Fr. Jaison Vadassery led the first session on the theme, “Synodality, Family, and Migrants.” Key points included:
- “A church on wheels” and “God walks with His people” – Recognizing that the Church must move with its people, especially migrants.
- Understanding the migrant reality – Addressing issues like bonded labor, human trafficking, minimum wage challenges, and the unregulated labor sector.
- Empathy and responsibility – Calling for a compassionate response to migrants’ needs, including pre-departure training and extending support beyond the parish grounds.
- Call to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrants – Emphasizing that welcoming migrants is a responsibility rooted in faith.
Fr. Jaison outlined nine principles to guide the Church’s engagement with migrants:
- Welcome the Migrants.
- Encounter Christ in the Migrants.
- Protect their Rights.
- Promote Safe Migration.
- Integrate Migrants into the Destination Church.
- Accompany Migrants with Pastoral Care.
- Create Free Spaces for Migrants.
- Develop Legal Cells for Assistance.
- Establish a Comprehensive Pastoral Care Plan.
Rev. Sr. Shobha Kandathil spoke on Workers India Federation, covering the social teachings of the Church on labor, with a focus on the preferential option for the poor and the dignity of each human being. She emphasized that supporting workers could help reduce migration, advocating for a system where labor rights are protected and respected.
Following these thought-provoking sessions, Fr. William Horo provided a recap, summarizing the day’s teachings and encouraging participants to carry forward these insights in their own communities.
In a significant closing gesture, Bishop Hemrom officially launched the Labour and Migrant Commission of the Diocese, a new diocesan body aimed at supporting migrant workers and addressing their needs. He introduced and congratulated Fr. Robert Kujur as the newly appointed head of this commission, marking a fresh commitment to service and outreach within the Dibrugarh Diocese.
The Orientation Programme on Labour and Migrants reaffirmed the Diocese’s dedication to standing alongside migrant communities and addressing their challenges with compassion and action. Through the new commission, Dibrugarh Diocese hopes to create a lasting impact by working in solidarity with those who often find themselves on the peripheries of society.
Bishop Hemrom’s final words resonated with all attendees: “Let us be a Church on the move, walking with those who seek refuge and opportunity, showing them the love of Christ in every action.”