Bangalore 11 March 2024: In a significant academic milestone, Fr. Mekrüo Lawrence SDB has successfully defended his Master of Theology (MTH) thesis titled “The Challenges and Opportunities for Salesian Youth Ministry Among the Northeast Migrant Youth at Bengaluru: An Explorative Study in the Light of the Magisterium of the Church.”
Under the guidance of Dr. Sivy Koroth SDB, Fr. Lawrence delved into the pressing issue of migration from northeastern states to metropolitan cities like Bengaluru in search of better opportunities. His research aimed to shed light on the specific challenges faced by migrant youth from the Northeast in urban settings and explore the role of Salesian youth ministry in addressing these challenges.
In his introduction, Fr. Lawrence emphasized the imperative for the Catholic Church, especially the Salesians of Don Bosco, to extend care and support to the migrant youth population. He articulated objectives that focused on understanding the plight of migrant youth, raising awareness within the Church about their needs, and empowering Salesian youth animators to intervene positively.
Fr. Lawrence’s research hypothesis outlined the prevalent reasons for migration, the lack of mentorship and the vulnerabilities faced by migrant youth, as well as the urgent need for pastoral care from the Church.
His thesis comprised four articulated chapters:
1. A Biblical and Ecclesial Approach to the Phenomenon of Migration: Fr. Lawrence explored the theological and scriptural underpinnings of migration, highlighting the Church’s historical response to this phenomenon.
2. Understanding the Phenomenon of Migration in the Context of Northeast India and the Salesian Youth Ministry: This chapter delved into the unique socio-economic factors driving migration from the Northeast and discussed the role of Salesian youth ministry in addressing the needs of migrant youth.
3. Challenges and Opportunities for Ministry Among the Migrant Youth: An Empirical Study: Fr. Lawrence conducted an empirical study to identify the specific challenges faced by migrant youth in Bengaluru and the opportunities for intervention by the Church.
4. Re-visioning the Pastoral Care of Northeast Migrant Youth in Bengaluru: In the final chapter, Fr. Lawrence proposed strategies for enhancing pastoral care and support for Northeast migrant youth, drawing upon insights from his research.
Fr. Lawrence’s successful defense of his thesis marks a significant contribution to the field of pastoral theology and underscores the commitment of the Salesian community to serve marginalized and vulnerable populations. His research paves the way for more informed and compassionate outreach to Northeast migrant youth in urban centers, fostering their holistic development and integration into society.
(IND Correspondent)