Nirmala Carvalho

Led by Archbishop Oswald Gracias, the initiative at Holy Name High School in Colaba is linked to the Prime Minister Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign to honour mothers and promote care for the environment. For Card Gracias, it is important to “encourage our youth and everybody else also to be conscious of the need to care for creation”.

They are accused of promising miraculous cures for diseases, exploiting superstitions widespread among Dalits and the poor. The events allegedly took place in the house of Pastor Achhe Lal, in the village of Pakhrauli. A local source: it was a normal Sunday liturgy. Fr Anand Mathew of Varanasi: ‘Arrests are an almost daily occurrence. Wrong if Catholics on Protestants say: it is only their problem'.

At a public commemoration, the governor attacked the educational work carried out under British rule, claiming that it sought to “destroy India’s identity". In its reply, the local Bishops' Conference described the governor’s remarks as a “gross distortion of history” and a “divisive rhetoric” that undermines India’s unity.

Some 115 schoolbooks and other textbooks are available to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). The tomes were officially unveiled by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (Latin rite). For Cardinal Ferrão, “Education is a primary mission of the Church in India.”

The initiative in response to the latest case of the killing of a baby girl. It was reported by the child's grandfather, who was suspicious of the explanation for the death given by his daughter. Catholic doctor applauds initiative: ‘urgent’ to promote ‘value and dignity’ of women from conception.

The Archbishop of Mumbai, Asia's representative in the Council of Cardinals, called to lead the commission wanted by Pope Francis to address the issue of relations between the papal representatives and the local Churches, one of the topics that emerged from the synod consultation. The group will present its conclusions by June 2025.

During a public consultation, BJP and civil society representatives spoke out against granting Christian dalits disadvantaged class status, reiterating discriminatory prejudices and clichés. The opinions were collected by a special Commission of Inquiry led by the former Chief Justice.

On Feast of the Assumption, a group of Catholics who fled more than a year ago from the ethnic violence that devastated India's northeastern state had the joy of being able to return to celebrate the Eucharist in the new settlement where the Archdiocese of Imphal is building homes for those who have lost everything. Fr. Aimeng's testimony, “A spiritual balm among so much suffering.”

The man had left for Russia in April and told his family he worked as a cook. New Delhi promises action against agencies in the country that recruit people enticed by the promise of Russian citizenship for Moscow's army. Modi expected in Kiev Aug. 23 after a visit to Moscow last month.

In September, the missionary will meet Pope Francis who will be in Papua New Guinea on his next apostolic journey. Hailing from India, the woman religious has been taking care of children aged 7 to 14 not enrolled in regular school for the past six years. She and other sisters and three teachers offer lessons of various types to guarantee the children a “brighter future”.

In India's most populous state, which is ruled by Hindu nationalists, the stricter law now includes life in prison. Minorities are often targeted by such legislation. The law “violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution,” warns the National Council of Churches of India. “Presently 28 Christians, mostly pastors are languishing in UP jails because of their faith,” Fr Mathew told AsiaNews.

Two landslides caused by heavy rains have swept through districts in the hilly region of Meppadi. Among the people missing are many tea growers. Field hospitals have been set up in a church and the local university. The Catholic Bishops' Conference is working with government agencies to speed up relief operations.