Healing Ministry 2026
The healing ministry of Jesus Christ is holistic in nature; its spiritual, physical, emotional and social healing. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the source of every healing from the beginning till now. In India, the Healing Ministry formally began in 1905 by a group of missionaries called Medical Missionary Association (MMA) and in 1926 it was renamed as Christian Medical Association of India.
Today CMAI has gone from strength to strength by contributing to the different health care needs of our country. CMAI members have done pioneering work in several areas like Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV/AIDS. The goal of CMAI is to serve churches in India by assisting in its ministry of healing to build a just and a healthy society in response to the love and command of Christ.
Theme for Healing Ministry 2026:
“ReThink to Reach Out”
Mark 8:25
Respected Leaders of the Church and Dear Friends,
Greetings from CMAI,
We thank God for His continued guidance since 1985 in discerning a yearly theme for the Healing Ministry observed during the second week of February. In close consultation with our Network Partners, Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and post prayerful deliberations, the emphasis on “Rethinking” was suggested. It encourages communities and institutions to rethink current approaches to care and to embrace renewed models of healing ministry.
The concept developed further and with blessings by our General Body of CMAI, the Healing Ministry Theme for 2026 emerged as “Rethink to Reach Out”. Based on Mark 8:22 - 26, with the scripture verse “Again He laid His hands” (verse 25). This two-stage healing miracle reminds us that growth and healing are often gradual. Partial vision is not failure but part of God’s transformative process.
Our theme challenges us to reconsider how we minister to both the sick and the healthy, following Jesus’ example of renewed compassion and touch.
We extend our gratitude to our network partners, the General Body, and the Bible Study contributors: Rev Fr V William Edward, Rev David Ebenezer, Dr Nitin T Joseph, Ms Christy Martina T, Mr Johnson Singson, Dr Rabi Raja Singh I, Ms Smriti Priyansha, and Chaplain Imsutoshi Pongener who helped shape the Healing Ministry booklet. We also thank the translators for rendering the booklet in regional languages.
We pray that the materials guide our churches and member institutions in observing the Healing Ministry Sunday and Healing Week, encouraging us all to rethink our approach and serve with renewed faith and love. May God’s healing inspire us continually.
Thanking you,
Dr Ronald Lalthanmawia
General Secretary, CMAI
