The Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council SC/ST Commission has urged the State government to introduce a 4.6 percent internal reservation for Dalit Christians to ensure equitable access to education, employment and social opportunities.

The appeal was submitted on February 24 when Fr. Nithiya Sagayam OFM Cap, Secretary of the Commission, met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin in Kanyakumari on behalf of Commission chairman Bishop Jeevanandam. A memorandum called for the creation of a 4.6 percent internal quota for Dalit Christians within the Backward Class category.

The Commission noted that Dalit communities have historically faced structural discrimination that continues to hinder socio-economic progress. While Scheduled Caste Hindus receive reservation benefits, Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims remain excluded despite experiencing similar disadvantages.

The memorandum also pointed out that Tamil Nadu has already implemented a 3.5 percent internal reservation for Muslims. Referring to the 2011 Census, it stated that Christians form about six percent of the State’s population, of whom nearly 65 percent are Dalit Christians—approximately 4.6 percent of the total population—forming the statistical basis for the demand.

Backing the appeal, the Commission conducted a year-long statewide mobilisation campaign, collecting over one lakh signatures. These will be submitted to the State Secretariat in Chennai as a collective representation. The Commission said the initiative aims to promote dignity, equality and inclusive development for marginalized communities.

The Madras High Court has ruled that denying marginalized communities access to public burial or cremation grounds amounts to practicing untouchability and can invite criminal action.

In its February 11 order, made public on February 23, the court stated that preventing Dalits and other socially disadvantaged groups from using common burial spaces is “not just discriminatory” but a violation of the constitutional ban on untouchability. India outlawed the practice in 1950, making it a punishable offense, though reports indicate it continues in subtle forms in some rural areas.

The order was issued by Justice V. Lakshminarayanan while hearing three petitions related to a land dispute in Karumandisellipalayam village in Erode district. While official records classified the land as a bullock cart track, evidence showed parts of it had been used as a burial ground for more than 70 years. The inquiry also confirmed that several graves had been levelled in 2025.

The court directed district authorities to demarcate and fence the burial ground, prevent encroachments, expedite its reclassification, and take action against those responsible for disturbing graves. Church leaders and Dalit activists welcomed the ruling, calling it historic and a ray of hope for marginalized communities, including Dalit Christians. According to government data, more than 200 million Indians belong to historically disadvantaged groups, underscoring the continuing relevance of the judgment.

A Catholic mother of two has expressed gratitude to the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph for helping her leave what she described as a toxic interfaith relationship and rebuild her life.

The woman, who requested anonymity, said she was supported by the congregation’s Lumina Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre after her relationship turned controlling and abusive. She alleged that the man pressured her for money and valuables and later coerced her to convert and marry him. With the intervention of her parents, she spent six months at the center receiving counseling and spiritual guidance.

Sr. Jinu Thomas Valavanolickal, director of Lumina, said the center has handled 737 cases since its founding in 2017, including 347 involving Christian girls. She claimed many cases involve young women who feel isolated or vulnerable while studying away from home. The center provides psychotherapy alongside prayer, Eucharistic adoration and confession.

The sister said the ministry is not without risk. Some girls initially resist counseling, and young men have reportedly visited the center to threaten staff. Police occasionally provide protection or refer cases through court orders.

Supported by priests from the Thamarassery diocese, the sisters also conduct parish awareness programs. Parents of beneficiaries say the counseling has restored hope and stability in their families. The congregation, which has more than 700 members across India, funds and operates the center as part of its broader health and pastoral ministry.

The 31st martyrdom anniversary of Blessed Rani Maria was solemnly commemorated on February 25 at Udainagar Parish in the Diocese of Indore, drawing a large gathering of bishops, clergy, religious, and faithful. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Peter Rumal Kharadi, Bishop of the Diocese of Jhabua. He was joined by several bishops, including Leo Cornelio, along with about 50 priests, 160 religious sisters, and more than 600 faithful who gathered in prayerful remembrance of the martyr’s witness.

In his homily, Archbishop Cornelio reflected on Blessed Rani Maria’s life of service and sacrifice, noting that she sought to transform society through love even in the face of grave danger. He emphasised that authentic love demands sacrifice and reminded the faithful that Christian mission is rooted in the transformation of hearts and minds, fostering goodness, fraternity, and peace in society.

Following the Holy Mass, six faithful shared testimonies describing spiritual graces and personal renewal experienced through the intercession of Blessed Rani Maria. A book highlighting her social commitment and missionary service was also released on the occasion.

The commemoration reaffirmed the enduring inspiration of Blessed Rani Maria’s witness of faith, charity, and courage, calling the faithful to continue her mission of love and transformative service in the world.