CRI Western Region Meet Highlights Mental Wellness in Religious Life

Pune, July 7, 2025 — In response to the increasing mental health challenges faced by members of religious communities, the Catholic Religious Conference of India (CRI) – Western Region organised a Workshop on Wellness in Religious Life on 5th July 2025 in Pune. The event formed part of CRI's Annual General Body Meeting and saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of religious from Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat.

The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Sr. Nirmalini A.C., National President of CRI. She was joined by dignitaries including Sr. Bromadine Palokaran, Regional President of CRI Western Region; Fr. Roque Alphonso, Administrator of the Diocese of Pune; and Br. Sajan, Provincial of the Montfort Brothers.

A key highlight of the programme was the session led by Fr. Shinto Mathew, O.C.D., National President of the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) India. In his address, Fr. Shinto underscored the urgency of early identification of mental health concerns, the need for professionally trained personnel in the field, and the importance of making mental health services accessible at all levels. He emphasised that mental health issues often affect families as a whole, calling for increased family education to promote compassion and acceptance.

Fr. Shinto introduced various tools developed by CMHM to support religious in integrating life experiences, enhancing resilience, developing coping strategies, and discovering deeper meaning and purpose in their vocations.

In a significant development, the workshop highlighted the launch of the St. Dymphna National Institute of Wellness in Bangalore—an initiative tailored to the unique wellness needs of religious women. The institute, headed by Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura, M.M.S., an experienced wellness professional, offers a pioneering one-month residential programme specifically for religious sisters. This is the first programme of its kind in India, established through collaboration between the CBCI Office for Healthcare and CMHM India.

The Pune workshop offered valuable insights into the integration of wellness within religious life and raised greater awareness about the services provided by the St. Dymphna Institute. The CRI Western Region also announced its plans for future collaborations with CMHM, aiming to extend wellness programmes to those in formation and congregation members, thereby reinforcing its commitment to the holistic well-being of religious.

Fr. Shinto Mathew