The Catholic Church in northeastern India is mourning the passing of Mother Mary Rose Thapa, the first native superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. She died on March 22 at 6:10 am in Guwahati, Assam, due to age-related illness. She was 91.

Mother Thapa had received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick a day before her death at the congregation’s provincial house, where she had been living a quiet retirement life. She spent much of her time in prayer before the Eucharist.

Her funeral Mass was held on March 24 at the congregation’s cemetery in Mawlai, near Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The congregation described her passing as a peaceful surrender to the Lord and expressed deep gratitude for her long and dedicated service.

Church leaders remembered her as a woman of deep faith, humility, and missionary zeal. Her life was seen as a strong witness to prayer, service, and commitment to the Gospel. Many also recalled her simplicity, warmth, and gentle leadership.

Born on March 11, 1935, in Nepal as Lakshmi Thapa, she came from a Hindu family. She later embraced the Catholic faith and was baptized in 1953. She joined the congregation and made her religious profession in 1956.

She served as superior general for 18 years from 1970, guiding the congregation during a key period of growth. Under her leadership, the mission expanded widely, especially among rural and tribal communities.

Her life continues to inspire many across the Church.

Sister Jean Rose has become the first Catholic nun to serve as a medical officer in a government hospital in Kerala. A member of the Sisters of the Destitute, she works at the Community Health Centre in Marayoor, a remote tribal area in Idukki district.

Usually, Catholic nuns with medical degrees serve in Church-run hospitals. However, Sister Rose chose to work in the government sector to reach people in remote regions where doctors are few. She holds a master’s degree in medicine from St. John’s Medical College.

At 52, she attends to more than 200 outpatients daily and regularly visits tribal families living deep inside forests. Since there are no inpatient facilities, she travels to patients’ homes, often using a two-wheeler. Her work includes medical care, immunization drives, surveys, and palliative care.

Marayoor is known for its cold climate and lack of facilities, making it difficult for many doctors to stay. The centre is often understaffed, increasing her workload. Despite facing health issues and risks while traveling through forest areas, she continues her mission with dedication.

Sister Rose said her decision was inspired by a desire to serve the poor and live out her congregation’s mission of compassionate care. She believes working in a government hospital allows her to reach more people, regardless of religion or background.

Supported by her congregation, she balances her role as a religious sister and government doctor. For her, this work is not just a job, but a ministry of service and love to the poorest.

Catholic organizations in Kerala have raised strong objections to the scheduling of national-level entrance examinations on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, urging authorities to reconsider the dates.

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) on March 23 called on officials to withdraw the plan to conduct all-India engineering entrance exams on these important Christian feast days. The council said the decision affects the religious freedom of Christian students.

Council president Varghese Chakkalakal stated that holding exams on such sacred days forces students to choose between their faith and their academic future. The council stressed that these days are central to Christian worship and spiritual life.

The KCBC also said it would take up the issue with the Government of India and the National Testing Agency, requesting that the exams be rescheduled to more suitable dates.

The Catholic Congress also expressed concern, calling the decision insensitive to the Christian minority. Its leaders said such scheduling creates unnecessary hardship and ignores the importance of religious observances.

Youth representatives added that the exam dates affect students emotionally, as they are unable to fully take part in important church celebrations during Holy Week. Catholic groups have urged authorities to take immediate corrective steps and ensure that future exam schedules respect religious diversity. They emphasized that sensitivity to all faiths is important to protect constitutional values and maintain harmony in society.

The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the largest men’s religious congregation of the Syro-Malabar Church, has appointed Father Benny Nalkara as its new Vicar General. The appointment was made during the 39th General Chapter held at Chavara Hills in Kochi.

This important decision comes at a significant time as the congregation prepares for its bicentenary celebrations in 2031. As Vicar General, Father Nalkara will serve as the main assistant to the Prior General, helping in the administration and overall governance of the congregation. His duties include coordinating ministries, supporting different provinces across countries, and implementing decisions taken by the General Council.

Along with this, the congregation has also elected a team of General Councillors to assist in leadership and decision-making.

Father Biju John Vellakada will support formation and pastoral activities, while also helping coordinate among different provinces. Father Augustine Kochuvely will focus on education ministries and the development of institutions. Father Johnson Palappilly will take care of communication, media, and public relations. Father Tomy Kapiarukudy will work to strengthen spiritual life and missionary outreach.

This new leadership team will guide the CMI congregation as it continues its global mission in education, healthcare, and social service. Their focus will be on strengthening spiritual formation, expanding outreach, and ensuring unity and effective governance across its worldwide presence.

The leadership is expected to lead with commitment, simplicity, and dedication to the mission of the Church.

The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the largest male religious congregation of the Syro-Malabar Church, has elected Father Paul Achandy as its Prior General for the second time. The election took place on March 19 during the 39th General Chapter held at Chavara Hills in Kochi.

Father Achandy, 62, had earlier served as Prior General for six years starting in 2014, the same year Pope Francis canonized the congregation’s founder, Kuriakose Elias Chavara. His re-election comes as the congregation prepares to celebrate its bicentenary in 2031.

After completing his previous term, he served as chancellor of Christ University and rector of Dharmaram College in Bengaluru. He also spent the past three years serving in Kenya.

Church members say his return to leadership is uncommon, as religious congregations usually follow fixed leadership terms. His re-election is seen as a sign of trust and a need for continuity during changing times.

Born in 1963 and ordained in 1992, Father Achandy is known for both academic excellence and administrative experience. He holds an MBA from North Maharashtra University and a doctorate from IIT Madras, specializing in strategic human resource management.

The CMI congregation, founded in 1831, now has nearly 3,000 members working in education, healthcare, and social service in more than 30 countries.

Church leaders describe Father Achandy as a simple and humble person who leads by example. His earlier leadership was known for strengthening internal systems and guiding the congregation with stability and vision.

His re-election is seen as a hopeful step as the congregation moves toward its 200th anniversary.