Nirmala Carvalho

In Kerala Hindus, Christians and Muslims have always lived together peacefully. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), which won last year’s State election, is open to democratic values. "Kerala could become a model for the national party”.

A video posted a few days ago seemed to show an alleged support of the Hindu nationalist party in government. An official statement reiterates that the local Church does not endorse any particular group. Catholic leaders invite people to vote. Awareness campaign in schools.

Mohan Bhagwat is the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He spoke at a Hindu conference in Madhya Pradesh. "Muslims are also Hindus by nationality but Islamic in faith." "Some evil forces will exploit the poor, the sick and the ignorant, and will ensure that they act against the country."

Cardinals Cleemis, Alencherry and Card. Gracias present. Modi and his government in favor of a visit by Pope Francis. Immediate and necessary actions for the release of Fr. Tom Uzhunallil.

Women from rural villages complain that the budget estimates for the next fiscal year will not support job creation in their areas. Demonetisation has forced nine million people to emigrate. The Finance Minister's statements are "misleading".

Father Frederick D'Souza comments of the Union budget 2017-2018. It allocates more resources to infrastructure and rural areas. The director of the social arm of the Catholic Church points out some deficiencies. They need more money for agriculture, protection of women and the development of castes, tribal groups and minorities.

The Archbishop of Mumbai is praying for the six victims and family members. He expresses deep sorrow on behalf of the entire Catholic Church. He recalls how in 2008 Quebec hosted the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, and that the streets were full of joy. "Today, however, the city is in mourning." Religions lead to peace.

Pope Francis has appointed the Franco-Spanish bishop as the third successor of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer. For 22 years Msgr. Ocáriz accompanied his predecessor Msgr. Echevarría in his travels; they visited India three times. His appointment marks a "new stage."

A clergyman was arrested in Telangana as he handed out copies of the Bible. He is now in hospital in serious condition. Sajan K George cites the murder of an Australian clergyman, Graham Staines, as a prelude to the anti-Christian pogrom of 2008. He says to pray for the clergyman: “May the blood of the martyrs be the seed of future Christians and of ecumenical unity."

A day of prayer organized by the Bishops' Conference. The initiative was also joined Protestant communities. Rev. Thomas Jacob: "Let us pray for him to return home safely." Hundreds of faithful at candlelight vigil organized at Our Lady’s Cathedral Trivandrum.

In 2008, the extremists targeted everyone, regardless of denomination. "The cross of Christ was proof that united us, our faith was visible." In Bhubaneshwar a common burial ground. Catholic educational, health and social institutions must not discriminate against anybody, "even those who have persecuted us."

For the first time in Mumbai, Catholics and Pentecostals jointly organise the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The archbishop will lead at an ecumenical prayer on 20 January. For Christian leader, “existing divisions between Christian denominations are used by radical Hindus to undermine the Christian icons of charity, education, and care for the sick."