Nirmala Carvalho

The see had been vacant since 2004. "In my pastoral work, I will give particular importance to families," said Mgr Machado. "The wellbeing of society depends on the strength of family ties."

More than 40 police officers are to be investigated and the local government must report investigation findings every three months. In addition to the violence, an even greater shameful aspect of the tragedy was "police involvement and government paralysis," says John Dayal.

Three US Protestant missionaries were in India on a tourist visa, but Hindu extremists allege they were involved in proselytism. A change in government does not imply automatic changes in bureaucratic procedures and visa rules, which often penalise Indians as well, says All India Catholic Council chairman.

The Secretary of India's episcopal conference remarks on the recent wave of violence against Christians in India: extremists don't know that God is love, something that would leave them dumbfounded. To advance their plans, they indoctrinate poor people with falsehoods. Catholic activist. "a dangerous pattern" passes also through Maharashtra and Rajasathan. Accusations against the BJP.

The resort town of Aldona is the scene of the act of vandalism. On a broken piece of the cross, someone wrote Mr Foreigner. "The cross is at the heart of our Christian faith. This act deeply hurts our religious feelings," says Fr Babu Joseph.

New diocese is located in Buxar, Bihar. The new bishop pledges his commitment to Dalit development and women education. The diocese is dedicated to Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help.

Premier Singh yesterday executed his first government reshuffle, creating 19 new ministeries. A new minister for Minority Afairs, "racial politics a great sign for the countries christian communities".

John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic Council, speaks out against the old, deeply rooted anti-Christian bias that still prevails in the country. Hindus continue to accuse us of forced conversions, but they never say how many, if any, priests or nuns have been convicted for such a crime, he says.

Ordination ceremony takes place in the Archdiocese of Mumbai. Diocesan spokesman says the event was very important, enriching the mission of the Church.

The Indian bishops conference meets to reflect on work in the field of education, means of development for the nations' marginalised. Data on the Catholic institutions reveal accusations of forced conversions and elitist education as false .

Edwin Parmar wants to complete a huge fresco by February that brings together Biblical and Hindu elements. His large mural could enter the Guinness World Records.

In 123 days, a Bhopal man, Sunil Joseph, transcribes 7,957 verses into a 61-kilogram book. His Bible is on display in a local Church.