Changanassery (Kerala): Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), Mangaluru, was invited as a distinguished resource person at the National Health Commission Seminar organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) on October 10, 2025, in Changanassery, Kerala.
CCBI’s Commitment to Faith and Service
The CCBI, the national episcopal conference of the Latin Rite bishops in India, serves as a dynamic forum that promotes the Catholic Church’s mission through education, healthcare, and social initiatives. It comprises several commissions and divisions dedicated to integrating faith into everyday life, fostering compassion, and uplifting humanity through Christ-centred service.
Fr Faustine’s Address on Faith-Based Mental Healthcare
Responding to an invitation from the Mental Health Ministry of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Fr Faustine addressed an assembly of clergy, religious leaders, and Catholic healthcare professionals who are actively engaged in mental health ministry across India.
In his presentation, Fr Faustine highlighted the pioneering role of Father Muller Charitable Institutions in advancing psychiatric care in India. He traced the origins of the Department of Psychiatry at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, established in 1966—a time when mental healthcare was still an emerging field in the region.
Father Muller’s Legacy in Mental Health Services
Fr Faustine shared that the department, often referred to by the public as the “Mental Hospital,” was among the earliest and largest psychiatric units in South India managed by a private Catholic organisation. Significantly, it predated the founding of NIMHANS in Karnataka, marking a historic milestone in private mental health service in the country.
He underscored how this initiative exemplified the visionary foresight of Father Muller Charitable Institutions in recognising mental health as an integral aspect of overall well-being—long before it became a societal focus.
Faith, Ethics, and Holistic Healing
During his talk, Fr Faustine emphasised the Catholic Church’s mission of holistic healing, which embraces body, mind, and spirit. He stressed that faith-based compassion and ethical responsibility are foundational to the Church’s approach to mental healthcare.
His reflections offered both theological depth and practical insights, urging Catholic institutions to enhance their outreach in mental health awareness, pastoral care, and community engagement. His address resonated deeply with participants, inspiring renewed dedication to integrating faith and science in healthcare service.
A Visionary Voice in Church and Society
Renowned for his intellectual acumen and articulate expression, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo continues to be a respected voice at the intersection of faith, philosophy, and social responsibility. His work bridges the spiritual and the scientific, demonstrating how the Church’s humanitarian vision can meaningfully engage with the challenges of modern society.
As Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Fr Faustine remains committed to strengthening the Church’s legacy of healing, service, and human dignity, advancing its mission to “Heal and Comfort” through faith-inspired excellence in healthcare.