Nirmala Carvalho

The Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, sends an open letter to Prime Minister of the State scene of the 2008 pogroms. The Christian minority "still waiting for justice for the persecution, in a climate of impunity created by political protectionism." But not only , the community also wants to bury its dead and new appointments in educational institutions for minorities.

Vaibhav, two and half years old, and his sister Divya, nine-months, died because of an argument over a cell phone for 27 euro. Members of a high caste set fire to their home. The mother is hospitalized in critical condition, the father has burns on both hands. Five policemen suspended for negligence. Activist for the rights of Dalits and tribals: "No government is able to contain or stop the merciless violence against the lower castes. Police and government fail to assume their responsibilities and try to lay the blame on others".

The ban "violates the fundamental right to preach and propagate religion." Christians can now pray, come together and propagate their views. For Christian activist, Christian communities are vulnerable to attacks, violence as well as social and economic boycott." For example, Hindu nationalist party recently "re-converted" 35 Christians.

Chamu Hasda Purty was serving in Sandih village. He was well respected and valued by the community. His religious functions attended by the entire population, without distinction of creed or caste. The police are on the trail of the killers. Christian activist: "The Pastor’s murder offends religious freedom in India."

For 15 years, Fr. Joseph D'Souza presided over the ceremony in memory of St. Francis of Assisi. Laudato sì "invites us to an safeguard ecology, to reflect on the relationship between humans and animals." The blessing appreciated even by non-Catholics. A special prayer for sick animals.

From 1 August orphanages run by the Missionaries of Charity have blocked practices. Sister Bressila: "But we will continue to take care of children, following the mission of Mother Teresa." Card. Toppo: "Children are not objects, each of them is a precious gift from God. The sisters want to make sure that children grow up in a good family environment and have a joyful future - just as they would with biological parents."

The three work for the NGO Gospel Echoing Missionary Society, which has worked for more than 40 years in the northern states of India. Religious material, CDs and projectors confiscated. Two men allegedly paid to convert. Christian leader: "The Pentecostal Christians were arrested under the pernicious anti-conversion law that violates religious freedom."

Fr Jyothi SJ is the convener of the Right to Food and Work network in West Bengal, an organisation of NGOs that launched an awareness campaign last Saturday to get the State government to activate the existing food security legislation for the State’s poor. “We want the government to wake up” and realise food shortages “will inevitably turn into famine” in the coming months. South Asia is home to half of the world’s undernourished, but one would not know it from Indian media.

The head of the local branch of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, an ultra-nationalist Hindu group, issues a threat following an incident involving a cow part found inside a Hindu temple. For Hindus, cows are a manifestation of the divine. Elsewhere, Christians have been threatened with expulsion from their village if they do not repudiate their faith. For Christian community leader, “respect for others’ opinion is fundamental in a pluralistic democracy.”

The Archbishop of Ranchi took part in the solemn Mass honouring the Apostle of Sri Lanka. Saint Vaz was a visionary, far ahead of his time. Along with Jesuit Fr Constance Lievens, he was a living example of the teachings of Vatican II. Both are great treasures for the Church in India.

The decision of Msgr. Chirayath Anthony, bishop of the Syro-Malabar diocese of Sagar. The example of the young blessed who worked tirelessly for the poor despite her painful disease. He parents meet a group of young Focolare and the association "Jesusfriends4u" in Mumbai, for the presentation of an award named after their daughter.

The Archbishop of Ranchi talks about the importance of Church teachings in helping families in difficulty. Too many families do not understand the faith. They must regain a sense of community and not be inward looking. “Marriage is a Sacrament, an intimate partnership of life and love established by the Creator for the good of the partners, children and society.” Several Indian prelates will take part in the Synod.