Nirmala Carvalho

From Mukachevo, Sister Ligy Payyappilly writes: in Ukraine, there are “many mothers who mourn their children just as Mary suffered before the Cross for her beloved Son.” For her, “the more this war goes on, the more innocent people will die”. Yet, “We believe and know that God is with us. Easter will come for us too.” So, “please continue to pray” for peace.

Local officials admit that the demolitions were a form of collective punishment, but also claim that the buildings were illegal. Sectarian clashes between Hindus and Muslims are also reported in Gujarat and West Bengal during Ram Navami, a Hindu festival. Hindus taking part in processions chanted anti-Muslim slogans while police stood idly by before moving in.

Nationalist groups file a complaint with police against an evangelical association promoting inmates’ dignity. They see this as a way to convert, and want such associations banned from prisons.

The appeal filed by a number of associations against the reform of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which affected many organizations active in assisting the poor, including the Missionaries of Charity, has been rejected. For the judges, there is "no shortage of donors in India". Babu Joseph: "But the rules must be applied in a non-partisan manner. When will there be the same demand for transparency in the financing of Indian parties?".

Some cases have come to light following inquiries by child protection officials. A medical practitioner was involved in one case. For Sister Devarapalli, poverty is not the only cause. A campaign against orphanages and adoption centres run by Christian groups and foreign NGOs is also to blame.

Pope Francis appointed Earl Fernandes to lead the Diocese of Columbus, thus becoming the first bishop of Indian origin in the US Church. He is grateful for the faith that sustained his parents even amid many difficulties. His roots in Asia are a treasure for America today.

An Indian-born PIME missionary, he died in Eluru at the age of 91. Called by Paul VI to lead the new diocese in the then Andhra Pradesh, he was transferred to Kurnool in 1987. In paying tribute, Nalgonda’s current bishop, Mgr Govindu Joji, writes: “In him people could see a father and a good shepherd.”

Yalam Sankar, 50, was a well-known figure for his stance against Hindu nationalists. The Global Council of Indian Christians calls for a thorough investigation into this murder and the safety and security of the Christian community in central India.

Justices dismiss anti-conversion petition by Hindu nationalists, calling it a propaganda initiative that undermines communal harmony. India’s highest court allows Hindus to be granted minority rights in the 10 states where other religious groups are the majority.

Originally from Bihar, the workers slept overnight at a timber yard where a fire broke out due to a short circuit. The tragedy highlights the living conditions of migrants. For Archbishop Machado, not only borders need security. Sr Fernandes saddened by the fact that the most vulnerable pay the price even in a hi-tech city.

Pope Francis did not take into account Dalit demands for a Dalit prelate when he decided to appoint Bishop Francis Kalist of Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) to the archbishop’s see in Tamil Nadu, a state where Dalits are the majority of the local Catholic community. The main Dalit association now threatens to appeal to the Indian government. Apostolic Nuncio Girelli wrote to the group a month ago saying the choice would not be “based on ethnicity, caste, language or social status.”

The gesture against Major Archbishop Alencherry and Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches Sandri in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, which does not want to accept the Synod's decision on the "unified" rite of the Holy Qurbana. Just a month ago Pope Francis warned about "liturgical disputes that play into the hands of those who are masters of division."