The Basilica of the Holy Rosary, popularly known as Bandel Church in West Bengal, continues to attract thousands of pilgrims from different faiths, standing as a powerful symbol of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in India.

Built in 1599 by Portuguese missionaries on the banks of the Hooghly River, Bandel Church is one of the oldest churches in India. Despite surviving wars, destruction and natural disasters, the basilica has remained a place of prayer and hope for generations. In 1988, Pope John Paul II granted it the status of a Minor Basilica.

While the church is an important Marian shrine for Catholics, it is also visited by many Hindus and Muslims who come to pray for healing, protection and blessings. Many devotees see the Blessed Virgin Mary as a loving mother who welcomes everyone, regardless of religion.

The church is especially known for its devotion to Our Lady of Happy Voyage, with pilgrims offering prayers for safe journeys, good health and family well-being. During feast days, thousands visit the shrine, many returning to give thanks for answered prayers.

The parish also serves society through education, healthcare and charitable work. Religious sisters and Church workers assist families from all communities by visiting the sick, supporting the poor, promoting education and empowering women.

Church leaders say Bandel Basilica reflects the belief that God’s love reaches all people. In a time when religious divisions often make headlines, the centuries-old shrine continues to bring together people of different faiths through prayer, compassion and mutual respect. More than a historic monument, Bandel Basilica remains a living witness to unity, hope and harmony, welcoming every pilgrim who seeks peace and God’s blessings.

Pious Joseph Theruvathu from Kerala has become the first Malayali to be appointed as a lay theologian in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, marking an important milestone for the Indian Catholic community in Germany.

His installation will take place on July 11 at St. Jodokus Church in Karlsruhe during a Holy Mass to be led by Auxiliary Bishop Peter Birkhofer. This year, the Archdiocese of Freiburg is appointing nine lay theologians, and Theruvathu is the only non-German among them.

Originally from St. Joseph’s Parish, Padappakkara, in the Diocese of Kollam, Theruvathu moved to Germany with his family from Italy in 2012. Since then, he has served in several parishes and has been recognised for his pastoral work, theological education and dedication to Church ministry.

Theruvathu studied philosophy at the University of Kerala, earned a master’s degree in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and later completed a diploma in Religious Studies at the University of Würzburg in Germany. He is fluent in English, Italian and German, enabling him to serve multicultural Catholic communities.

His family has a strong tradition of serving the Church. His brother is a Carmelite priest, and three of his sisters are religious sisters. His wife, Sabi Crystal, works as a nurse in Germany, and they have three children.

Lay theologians play a vital role in Germany, helping with parish leadership, faith formation, pastoral care, counselling and funeral services. Theruvathu has chosen the motto, “Received in love – go forward with courage,” inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9. Malayali Catholics in Germany have welcomed his appointment as a proud achievement and a sign of the growing contribution of Indian lay faithful to the Church’s mission in Europe.

A group of Catholic nuns in India has helped more than 1,000 orphaned and abandoned children find loving families through legal adoption, bringing hope to children who once had no home. The sisters have been working for many years to care for vulnerable children and guide them through the adoption process.

The nuns run child care centres where children receive food, education, medical care, and emotional support until they are placed with adoptive families. They work closely with government authorities to ensure every adoption follows India’s legal procedures and protects the rights of each child.

The sisters said their mission is not only to provide shelter but also to give every child the opportunity to grow up in a loving and caring family. They believe every child deserves security, dignity, and the chance to build a bright future.

Many of the children placed through the centres were abandoned at birth or lost their parents because of illness, poverty, or other difficult circumstances. The adoption programme has helped them begin a new life with families ready to love and care for them.

The sisters also encourage more couples to consider adoption, reminding society that thousands of children are still waiting for permanent homes. They said adoption is an act of love that changes the lives of both children and parents.

Church leaders praised the sisters for their dedication and compassionate service. They said the ministry reflects the Church’s commitment to protecting children and defending their dignity. The successful placement of more than 1,000 children stands as a powerful witness to hope, compassion, and the life-changing gift of family.

A Catholic organization has strongly condemned threats made against an Indian judge following a recent court order, calling for respect for the judiciary and protection of judges from intimidation.

The statement was issued by the United Christian Forum (UCF), an ecumenical body representing several Christian groups in India. The organization expressed concern over social media attacks and threatening remarks directed at the judge after the court’s decision became public.

UCF said that differences with a judicial ruling should be addressed through legal processes and not through personal attacks or threats. It warned that attempts to intimidate judges could weaken public confidence in the justice system and harm the rule of law.

Christian leaders urged political parties, civil society groups, and citizens to uphold democratic values and maintain dignity in public debate. They emphasized that an independent judiciary is essential for protecting constitutional rights and ensuring justice for all communities.

The forum also appealed to authorities to investigate any credible threats and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of judicial officers. It said judges must be able to perform their duties without fear or pressure.

Legal experts noted that criticism of court judgments is allowed in a democracy, but threats or incitement against judges cross an important line. They stressed that disagreements should be pursued through appeals, reviews, and other lawful mechanisms.

UCF concluded by urging all sections of society to reject hatred and intimidation and to support institutions that safeguard justice and constitutional order in the country. The organization said protecting the independence and dignity of the judiciary is vital for the health of Indian democracy and for the rights of every citizen.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has urged the Central Government to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the changes could negatively affect charitable and humanitarian organisations across the country.

In a memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the bishops said the Catholic Church has served India for centuries through schools, hospitals, social service institutions, disaster relief, rural development, and tribal welfare programmes without discrimination. While supporting transparency and accountability, the CBCI said the proposed amendments could weaken the work of organisations serving poor and vulnerable communities.

The bishops requested that the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill and Rules be withdrawn. They also suggested that any future changes should include constitutional safeguards, fair legal procedures, and protection for charitable institutions. The memorandum also recommended removing the term “proselytization” from the proposed Rules and ensuring that only trustees and governing body members are treated as key functionaries under the law.

The CBCI also raised concerns about religious freedom, saying anti-conversion laws in some states have increased fear and hostility toward Christians. It urged the government to help ensure an early hearing of cases related to these laws and the constitutional status of Dalit Christians before the Supreme Court.

The bishops also expressed deep concern over the continuing violence in Manipur, describing it as a serious humanitarian crisis. They said thousands of families remain displaced, education has been disrupted, and many people continue to suffer emotionally and financially. The CBCI appealed to the Government to restore peace in Manipur and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to national unity, communal harmony, humanitarian service, and the constitutional values of India.