Anthonipilla Shijin

One of the important issues currently being discussed in the Church in Kerala, one of India’s southern states, is youth migration. The phenomenon of migration is not new. However, the number of young migrants has increased significantly in recent years. In the Catholic Church in particular, and in the area of faith formation, the analysis of youth migration brings not only opportunities but also challenges. Youth migration is mainly driven by the desire for a better standard of living, stability, and a better life for the family. It often includes remittances, which are an important source of income for many households.

Most young people migrate to the Gulf, the United States, Canada, Australia, parts of Europe, and to other states within India. They move to Gulf countries (such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait) attracted by job availability and better salaries due to high demand in the service sector. Others go to the USA, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe for higher education and professional work. Often, their education leads to an extended stay to work after completing their studies.

In 2018, the number of emigrants from Kerala was estimated at 2.1 million (The New Indian Express), and by 2023, this number had risen slightly to 2.2 million, representing a marginal increase of around 4.8% (The Deccan Herald). The number of student migrants nearly doubled, from 129,763 in 2018 to around 250,000 in 2023 (The Hindu).

When it comes to its effects on the Catholic Church, there has been a noticeable reduction in the active participation of young people in Church activities, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist, in devotional practices, and in the Church’s social initiatives. The older generation remains regular and deeply rooted in Church traditions, while the younger generation is increasingly distancing itself from those traditions and from the faith.

The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and the backbone of the Church, but due to migration, opportunities for formation in the Catholic tradition are at risk. As a result, the future Church in Kerala faces the serious challenge of losing capable Catholic leaders.

Young migrants also face the challenge of maintaining their religious identity, as they are not only relocating geographically but also entering different cultural and religious environments. Especially in Gulf countries and other secular contexts, where opportunities to share Catholic values and religious practices are limited, there is always the risk of drifting away from the faith.

In recent years, the Catholic Churches of Kerala have taken initiatives to support and safeguard the faith of young migrants. These include actions at both the diocesan level and by the Church as a whole. Initiatives involve the appointment of chaplains for migrants, the celebration of Holy Mass in Malayalam, spiritual retreats, online religious programs, mobile apps for prayer, faith-based gatherings, and the celebration of cultural festivals.

Although the Catholic Church in Kerala is making efforts to help young migrants remain faithful and practicing Catholics, many more steps need to be taken to strengthen this mission.