Santosh Digal

This is part of its 2017 Lent campaign. Each year, the social arm of the Catholic Church in India pursues programmes to improve people's living conditions. In over 50 years of activity, it has funded nearly 23,000 projects worth US$ 205 million.

Card. Toppo spoke at the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. "Faith in the family educates its members to be followers of Jesus in spite of the challenges." The example of the family of Nazareth. The tribal families have traditions and culture that reflect the values ​​of Christianity.

The Archbishop of Seoul speaks at the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. This year's theme is the family and its challenges. Open the doors of the Church, the sacraments and affection; reflect on children, youth and seniors; the consequences of the weakening of family relationships.

The bishops gathered in Sri Lanka for the 11th plenary of the bishops' conference. This year's theme is the family in the relationship with the local Churches. On the agenda, the major challenges for family relationships. An inter-religious meeting with Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu leaders.

Card Oswald Gracias, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (Latin rite), and Mgr Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, archbishop of Faridabad, speak out on the issue. Fighting between separatists and the Indian Army could lead to a disastrous conflict between India and Pakistan, both of which have nuclear weapons.

Fr Pritam Toppo SFX has been working in the archipelago in the Bay of Bengal for years. He served three parishes and their congregations, providing educational and pastoral outreach. His experiences include an encounter of tribesmen armed with bows and arrows, and staying overnight in thatched bamboo huts with snakes hanging from the ceiling. Everyone – Hindus, Catholics, Muslims, animists – "participate with solidarity in all the joys and sorrow of each other.”

Fr. Milton Gonsalves is the executive secretary of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Latin Rite Commission for Family. Since 2014 he has been traveling around the country to learn about the reality of families. There are two main problems in India: not enough space to spirituality in family life and alcoholism. Common manual for pre-marriage courses, enrichment programs for spouses even after the wedding.

Sister Santowna Singh belongs to the Congregation of the Servants of Mary. She professed her first vows in December 2008, as the Odisha pogroms by radical Hindus raged against Christians. The nun confirmed her choice on 8 September with 18 other sisters. After the massacres of Kandhamal, there was an exponential increase in vocations.

Catholics and representatives of the Islamic and Sikh communities took part in the event. State (Maharashtra) and Union government officials were also present. The celebration included a torchlight procession and the recitation of the Rosary. A message of blessing from Pope Francis was read.

Sister Hilda Mary belongs to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. An archipelago of 572 islands, the union territory is home to various tribal groups speaking different languages. The only diocese was set up in 1985. Male, female and youth groups are involved in the parish. Missionaries serve locals.

Sister Mabel Culpeper belongs to the Congregation of Saint Joseph of Annecy. She has taught for two years at a school near the parish of St Teresa. She is impressed by the strong bond among local Christians, who help each other at every opportunity. They "are hungry for the Word of God".

Bishop of Orissa asks the intercession of the future saint to bring peace and reconciliation. On September 4, the day when the Mother will be canonised celebrations, festivities and meetings will be held in India.