By Vatican News
The Archdiocese of Bangalore, India, has expanded its charitable outreach to migrant families, with the establishment of a new centre near Mathikere.
In partnership with the Scalabrinian Missionaries, the Archdiocese has opened the Pope Francis Migrant’s Centre & Short Stay Home, which will offer pastoral care, counselling services, legal aid, skill development programmes, emergency support, and community-building initiatives.
The centre was inaugurated on Dec 3 2025, and the Inauguration Stone was blessed by Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, together with Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore.
In his address, Cardinal Tomasi spoke with pastoral tenderness about the Church’s enduring mission in a rapidly changing world. “The Church is alive here and now whenever she bends down to care for migrants,” he said. “Every act of welcome is a living Gospel.”
The Cardinal praised the partnership between the Archdiocese and the Scalabrinian family, affirming that the new Centre is as a concrete expression of faith put into action.
Shri K.J. George, Cabinet Minister of Energy in Government of Karnataka, shared his own family’s centuries-long journey of migration. He recalled that his ancestors migrated from Syria to Kerala nearly 1,600 years ago, and he himself migrated to Bangalore in search of opportunity and growth.
“Migration is part of my family’s story,” he said. “I know what it means to start again. That is why I feel such closeness to every migrant seeking hope.” The minister added that “the Government will always stand by the Catholic Church in its efforts to uplift and build a society where everyone, migrant or local, can live with dignity and confidence.”
The gathering also heard messages from Church leaders engaged in migrant ministry. Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman of the CCBI Migrants Commission, reminded those present that “A migrant should never feel alone. The Church must be a home that listens, protects, and walks with them.”
The leadership of the Scalabrinians, whose mission is entirely focused on migrants, spoke with conviction and warmth. Fr Leonir Chiarello, Superior General of the Scalabrinians, said that “For over 130 years, our mission has been to accompany migrants with compassion and professionalism. This Centre continues that mission, ensuring that no migrant is left unseen or unsupported.” – Vatican News
