Sister Alessandra Smerilli's mission in India

From November 26-30, 2024, Sister Alessandra Smerilli, the Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited northern India (New Delhi, Agra, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ranchi, and Kolkata) to meet with and listen to representatives of the local Churches and renew the Dicastery's encouragement and support for their work.

On November 26, a time of dialogue took place at the Archbishop's House in Ranchi between Sister Alessandra Smerilli and eight bishops from the regional ecclesiastical province of Jharkhand, during which issues related to migration, human trafficking, poverty, and integral human development were discussed, emphasizing the Church's role in accompanying vulnerable populations.  

On November 27, Sister Alessandra Smerilli spoke at a joint meeting of the bishops of the region, the Conference of Religious of India (CRI), and the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI), encouraging the Church in northern India to respond proactively to local challenges and underlining the role of the Dicastery in accompanying local Churches in addressing their specific needs. During this address, she emphasized the importance of the Church being a community that listens and dialogues, engaging with people of all faiths, and especially the poor, who should be the agents of change. Sr Alessandra noted, “Although we are not able to solve everyone's problems, the Church can be a constant presence in the lives of those who suffer.” Approximately 80 people attended the meeting, including eight bishops from the region, major superiors, and other Church leaders. 

Afterwards, Sister Alessandra Smerilli visited an house of Salesian sisters (F.M.A.) in Ranchi where she met with her fellow sisters, students, and novices. She also visited St. Albert's College of Philosophy and Theology, where she had a meeting with the seminarians and staff working there. 

On November 28 in Kolkata, following Mass at the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity and a visit to the tomb of Saint Mother Teresa, Sister Alessandra Smerilli participated in an interactive session with bishops and delegates working for migrants, domestic workers, and victims of human trafficking. In attendance were Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman of the Commission for Migrants, Bishop Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh, and Bishop Shyamal Bose of the Diocese of Baruipur. During the session, participants shared the different aspects, challenges, and progress of their work. Sister Alessandra praised the good work done by the dioceses and congregations and assured them of the Dicastery’s support as they continue these efforts with increasing vigour and enthusiasm. 

On November 29 in New Delhi's Vikaspuri district, Sister Alessandra Smerilli met with a group of refugees from Myanmar, internally displaced persons from Manipur, and members of Delhi's African communities.

The meeting, organized by the Indian Bishops' Conference Migration Commission, brought together over 100 people.

As Secretary of the Dicastery, Sister Alessandra conveyed Pope Francis' closeness with those present, reading his Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, and sharing the Church's commitment to accompany and support migrants on their journey. 

On November 30, Sister Alessandra Smerilli participated in an interactive session with bishops, priests, religious, and leaders of the northern region of India at the Archbishop's House in New Delhi. She emphasized Pope Francis' vision of a new way of being Church, based on synodality, and spoke about how the Church in India, though a minority, can contribute a great deal through the various services it offers, such as supporting the poor, migrants, and refugees, addressing ecological issues, promoting education for girls and youth, empowering women, providing health care, and reaching out to underserved communities.

Sister Alessandra Smerilli was accompanied on this mission by Carlotta Mercante, an official of the Dicastery.