Nirmala Carvalho

The Bishops' Conference called on Catholics to hold a day of prayer and solidarity for the victims of the violence that has torn the north-eastern state for two months. To this end, eucharistic adorations, human chains and torchlight processions were held to spur the Indian government to act.

In a village in Kanpur, saffron-coloured flags were raised and the walls of a building near a Christian school were smeared with graffiti. The latter is open to pupils of all religious backgrounds. Radicals believe that an unauthorised church was under construction. The Bishop of Lucknow asks how any group can claim the right to destroy any structure, even if it lacks proper permits.

The testimony of Fr. Ajo Thelappilly, an Indian Catholic priest who has been a missionary for a decade in one of the poorest areas in the foothills of the Himalayas. "The local Church here is still in its infancy." The dream of being able to snatch the little ones from work in markets or city hotels.

Day of Paryer called by Bishops' Conference president Msgr. Thazhath to invoke from God the gift of peace and raise awareness of the violence between Meitei and Kuki in the northeastern state. Imphal Archbishop Msgr. Lumon: "We are working to reopen dialogue between the two communities, but the situation remains stuck. Only prayer can help us." Already today in Mumbai an initiative by Card. Gracias.

In a video message, the former Congress leader speaks of an 'unprecedented' event that 'devastated' people's lives and caused a 'deep wound' in the nation's conscience. People forced to flee their homes, long-time brothers and sisters and now driven to 'turn against each other'. The responsibilities of the central and state governments that 'must' maintain law and order.

A report issued six weeks into violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki , Msgr. Lumon's harsh denunciation "Worrying silence from Prime Minister Modi. In Imphal fear, uncertainty and a general sense of hopelessness." The conflict itself is not religious, but outside forces are working to make it so: "All the churches in the Christian Metei have also been affected." Caution not to further exacerbate tempers and thanks to other dioceses for solidarity.

Card Alencherry announced the request made by the bishops at the end of their meeting for the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, where the "unified" rite for the Eucharistic celebration has been rejected. Meanwhile, the local basilica closed for more than 200 days will reopen, but the Holy Qurbana can only take place in accordance with the rite established by the Synod.

A month after defeating the BJP, the new INC-led state government announced plans to scrap the anti-conversion law imposed by Hindu nationalists. Similar legislation remains in force in nine Indian states. Archbishop Machado hopes “other states will also follow suit and scrap their laws.”

Violence between ethnic Meitei and Kuki continues in the northeastern state. Nine people die in Aigejang, a village in a "mixed" area not far from the state capital Imphal. More than 100 people have been killed so far since clashes broke out in early May. Young refugees brought to Karnataka will be able to continue their studies and seek work. For Archbishop Machado, hospitality is the way of showing solidarity with those who suffer.

On World Environment Day, girls and women from Aashray Abhiyan-a program for the marginalized in this Indian state- paraded dressed in green through Patna and other cities to push for awareness about caring for the common home. Sr. Dorothy Fernandes: "Another world is not only possible but necessary."

The 11-year-old was in Italy for five days to mark World Environment Day. She asked the pontiff to help stop clashes between Meitei and tribal groups in the north-eastern state. The girl wants to build a school that will provide free education to children, victims of the violence, from both sides, that will be “a symbol of peace in the whole world”.

While nearly 300 people are known to have died, bodies continue to be pulled from the wreckage. A local Catholic hospital and social outreach agency are helping passengers, most of whom come from other Indian states. Card Gracias offered the condolences of the country’s Church, which stands by the families, pained to see so much suffering. In a telegram, Pope Francis expresses his own sorrow and closeness to the victims and their families.