Nirmala Carvalho

For many, preparing for the festivity means setting up the nativity scene and baking cakes. But the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is to be close to those who are “in desperate need of assistance”. The story of Ms Esperance, mother of two disabled daughters and suffering from a spinal injury, is an example. Her days and nights in intensive care were filled with prayers for healing.

Fr Pascal Sinor, pastor at the Mary of Nazareth Church in Alibaug, is behind the initiative. Thanks to the social apostolate of the Church, a thousand tribal families will receive assistance for the celebration. To encourage the flow of worshippers, a large nativity scene was set up outside the church. Many Hindus are also praying before the baby Jesus.

Despite the poverty, families in Dalit villages contribute with their own money to church decorations and the crib. Unable to exchange gifts with others, they cook special meals for breakfast and lunch and share them with widows and the poor of their village.

According to the anti-terrorist agency, the Jesuit priest is "directly involved" with Maoist terrorist movements (Naxalite) and in defence of the tribals. On December 21, the court will decide on his release on bail. In Washington, London, Italy and the Philippines, demonstrations of support for Fr. Stan.

"This year Fr Pascal gave us cereals and other necessities to celebrate Christmas and we are happy to be able to celebrate it even during this pandemic." "We have received these gifts for free, from the church of Mary of Nazareth, and we will freely share them with our neighbours".

Two plaster statues of the Virgin were smashed whilst the concrete statue of Mother Teresa was damaged. Police and the Minorities minister expressed solidarity. For Bishop Shyamal Bose: “This attack is puzzling. People of different faiths keep statues of Mother Teresa in their homes. Many NGOs and non-Christian clubs are named after Mother Teresa.” She is “an inspiration for her commitment to serve the poor”.

Tens of thousands have been camping outside the capital for weeks to protest against the land reform. They are calling for the abrogation of liberalization plans and a return to the previous "controlled" system. Large groups - protesters say - could impose too low prices.

The Archaeological Service of India (ASI) will begin restoration work on the Mastrillian Casket on 10 December. The latter contains the relics of the saint. The ASI Chemical Branch of Aurangabad, which specialises in conservation, is set to work with a mandate from ASI Dehradun.

Sajan K. George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, condemns the verbal attacks by Hindu nationalists against Christians during the ceremony. For a former BJP lawmaker, “The conversion of the Dalits and tribals to Christianity will be opposed tooth and nail.” Official data show however that claims about conversion activities are false, George explains.

Farmers are camped just outside the capital. Police have used water cannons and tear gas to stop protestors. Talks between government and protest leaders have stalled. Farmers are against full liberalisation. A minimum price for agricultural products will be guaranteed, Prime Minister Modi says.

In recent months, incidents and acts of violence have been escalating in the state in central India. For Sajan K George, “extremist fringe groups” are fuelling “suspicion and enmity” in order "to divide along communal lines amid growing tensions.”

“The Sisters serve those who are on the edges of the most remote peripheries of Odisha, in remote rural areas. They are witnesses to God's love, and spread the Gospel through words and social work.”