Nirmala Carvalho

Torrential rains in the northern districts of the Indian State kill more than 150 people, destroy at least 100,000 homes and displace millions. “We are doing our utmost to help everybody, irrespective of religion or caste,” said the bishop of the diocese of Bellary, one of the hardest hit areas.

On October 2, we mark 140 years since the birth of Mahatma, and the International Day of Non-violence. The prelate emphasizes his message of peace and the "courage" that derives from "Truth". On October 5 he will be in Orissa for three days of meetings with young people, to promote inter-religious dialogue and harmony.

The man who was preparing the bomb is dead. Four injured all belonging to the 32 Christian families living in the Nandamaha camp. Police blame Maoist militants. For the director of the Global Council of Indian Christians is the latest Hindu violence against Christians.

The Indian State proportionately has the highest number of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, some 73,000 distributed in 115 camps and more than 30,000 living in government shelters. “Until now refugee status prevented more than 100,000 Tamils from entering the mainstream of society and fully participating in its development and progress,” bishop of Madurai said.

Kersi Francesco Pio Mistry was 25 when he met the saint of Petralcina. After that, he decided to become a Christian. He calls Padre Pio, his ‘Star of Bethlehem’. The crucifix Kersi gave the saintly friar is still in his cell in San Giovanni Rotondo.

In Kerala, Father Chiramel offers one of his kidneys to an unknown recipient. The priest said he was inspired by the ‘Year for Priest’. “For me donating an organ is a unique and privileged opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering.”

The parliament will be discussing a law to avoid the persecutions against the minorities. Episcopal Conference: “ a good start”, but “more power” is needed in the prevention. The bishops have encouraged meetings with other Christian communities and Muslim and Sikh exponents. They will present a memorandum to the government at the end of October.

The prayer of the nuns from the Monastery of Andheri East for the first continental meeting dedicated to evangelization. The superior: "Through the prayers for the Congress we contribute to the proclamation of the name of Jesus throughout India."

Government officials testify before the commission of inquiry set up to look into last year’s anti-Christian violence. Former district collector in Kandhamal talks about illegal conversions to Christianity, whilst police inspector general claims the authorities had no intelligence about Maoist threats against Hindus. For the bishop of Bhubanewsar, they are all in together to rid the State of its Christian minority.

The Bishop of Madurai invites the bishops of Trincomalee and Mannar to find out about the "real situation after the war." And announces the creation of a health care team ready to go to the aid of refugees. UN envoy expected to arrive in Colombo on 17 September: we are "very concerned about the progress of the peace process."

As farm production collapses, thousands of women are sold to pay off debts. The authorities say reports are overblown but politicians are struck by incredulity. Father Anand, from the Indian Missionary Society, says no one should be surprised by what is happening. The affected area “is one of the most backward regions of the country,” with a male-dominated patriarchal society.

The attack takes place one year from the violence in Orissa and Karnataka. Last year there were 112 attacks, this year already 20. The police have orders to shoot on sight.