In a bold and compassionate response to the growing mental health needs of religious women in India, the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM)—a network of the CBCI Office for Healthcare—has launched the St. Dymphna National Institute of Wellness. The mission of the institute is both clear and compelling: to foster healthy ministers for a vibrant Church.

This groundbreaking initiative is led by Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS, one of India’s most esteemed Catholic mental health professionals, with decades of experience. She has helped thousands of priests and religious sisters navigate challenges, rediscover resilience, and find renewed purpose. The Medical Mission Sisters, pioneers in healthcare, have previously established landmark centres like TRADA (Kottayam) and TREDA (Bangalore)—which continue to serve individuals struggling with addiction, psychological distress, and other mental health concerns.

The St. Dymphna Institute is the first national initiative of its kind—marking a systemic and collective response by the Catholic Church to the psychological and spiritual needs of its religious personnel. Despite their vital and often unsung roles in nurturing the Church through education, healthcare, and pastoral care, many religious women silently endure burnout, psychological distress, and emotional exhaustion. Unfortunately, the deep-rooted stigma around mental health often prevents them from seeking help.

Common issues include depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidal ideation, all of which seriously impact their well-being, spiritual depth, and ministerial effectiveness. Although many congregations are striving to respond to these concerns, systemic limitations and scarce resources often restrict them from offering comprehensive care.

The St. Dymphna Institute addresses these gaps with a deeply holistic approach—emphasizing integration of psychological care, spiritual growth, interior healing, and community support. The Institute trains sisters to build stronger relationships, develop communication and leadership skills, and foster personal and spiritual integration. This growth in interiority strengthens their prayer life and enhances their capacity to serve with joy and authenticity.

Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counsellors, the Institute offers a flagship One-Month Psycho-Spiritual Wellness Course—conducted quarterly at various locations in India. These residential programs provide religious women with safe, sacred spaces to reflect, heal, and be renewed. The curriculum seamlessly blends psychological tools with spiritual practices, fostering wholeness and inner transformation.

Participants requiring extended care are supported through CMHM’s referral network, which connects them with trusted Catholic mental health professionals and institutions, including psychiatric departments of leading hospitals.

In addition to direct care, CMHM offers skill training and counselling programs—especially for midlife and post-midlife religious—equipping them to assist others in need. Over 300 sisters have already been trained as counsellors and now serve in schools, parishes, and diocesan centres across India.

A significant milestone in this journey was the National Seminar on Mental Health for Major Superiors, which drew wide participation from religious leadership across the country. The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST) was notably represented by all its provincials and team members, reflecting a new openness and prioritization of mental health within religious life.

Guided by the mission “That no one suffers alone,” the Institute is also committed to ongoing conferences, seminars, and partnerships with Church bodies such as CRI, CHAI, SDFI, and others. Recent transformative programs have included participants from congregations such as:

This bold initiative marks a new chapter in the Indian Church’s journey toward mental and spiritual wellness for its women religious. It offers the tools, support systems, and sacred spaces they need—not only to continue serving, but to flourish in their vocations and deepen their relationship with Christ.

St Dymphna National Institute of Wellness Team