Nirmala Carvalho

The cardinal rejects criticism from a splinter group in Mumbai municipality, members of the nationalist Sena-BJP alliance. Nationalists accuse the schools of not to singing the anthem and of preventing the celebration of Hindu festivals and customs. Archbishop of Mumbai: we nurture “diversity and pluralism" to build the nation.

The Director of Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, tells AsiaNews about the latest wave of arrests and violence against Buddhist monks: "We denounce the cruelty of China." In two days, six other monks from the temple of Wara detained.

Fr Anchanikal T. Thomas, a Jesuit missionary, fought for the poor until his death in the state of Jharkhand, which is now caught between insurgents and landowners. He was martyred in 1997 as he tried to find out about Maoist abuse of locals. Fr M.K. Jose, a fellow Jesuit, said, he “was a victim of Maoist violence. However, his death has enriched the Jesuit mission in Hazaribagh district.”

The Bishops' Conference, together with Superiors of religious congregations in India, will meet to study the rules to be applicable to crimes of a sexual nature. The Bishop of Pune: "Zero tolerance for those who make mistakes. The Pope has shown the way, it is wrong to criticize him. "

Judges grant the mother’s request for termination of the pregnancy reversing ruling of a the local court. They consider the child's birth will endanger the girl’s mental health and creates a social and economic problem for the family. Bishop Agnelo Gracias, President of the Commission on Family and Life for the Indian Bishops' Conference: "Justice should punish the criminal and not the innocent."

Tomorrow the pilgrimage of 65 diocesan priests begins, headed by Mgr. Derek Fernandes. Bishop of Karwar: an occasion for "conversion and prayer." The trip is organized by the prelate, who raised money to cover expenses of participants. The return to India on the eve of Pentecost.

The archdiocese, the Missionaries of Charity and the faithful of the Indian metropolis are planning important celebrations to mark the centennial of the birth of the Blessed. A novena will be recited each evening, in each parish, for the canonisation of the Mother of the poorest of the poor.

Demonstrators want to see Thailand’s deputy prime minister charged for his alleged role in the 10 April violence. The government responds saying protesters’ demands are not clear. A group of Asian NGOs sends a letter to the Thai Foreign Ministry, expressing their “concern” for the situation. An Indian activist urges the parties to respect international legal standards.

The Church and human rights organizations support the tremendous task of collecting data that is beginning in the country. The government "will be forced to open their eyes to the reality of caste discrimination, and do something to resolve the situation."

The girl’s parents say she was expelled because she wore a headscarf. School managers reject the accusation, saying dozens of female students wear the scarf in their school. Muslim leaders fuel the controversy, demanding an investigation into the activities of Christian organisations.

Court reiterates link with terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and elements of Pakistani security. Controversy still surrounds the acquittal of two Indian nationals involved.

Celebrated 100 years since the venerable Father Agnelo was appointed pastor at Kumta (Karnataka). A life dedicated to loving all parishioners, even those who attacked him. Process of beatification in progress.