A week-long formation programme organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has called for a renewed vision in the training of priests and religious leaders.

The programme was held at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim from April 20 to 25. It brought together 25 formators from dioceses and religious congregations across India for reflection and discussion.

Participants stressed the need to move beyond traditional systems and focus on a more complete and meaningful formation. They said training should help candidates grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, emotional maturity, and pastoral care.

Several speakers guided the sessions, including priests, religious leaders, and Church officials. Among them was Simão Purificação Fernandes, who shared insights on the challenges facing the Church today.

The discussions focused on three key areas. First, the personal life of formators. They were encouraged to be true examples of the Gospel by living with prayer, honesty, simplicity, and compassion.

Second, the structure of formation was examined. Participants called for more flexible systems, better teamwork, and practical exposure to real-life pastoral situations. They also highlighted the importance of psychological and spiritual growth.

Third, the formation of candidates was discussed. The aim is to help them become responsible, self-aware, and capable of building healthy relationships. True formation should guide them towards love, service, and a deeper connection with God.

The programme ended with a strong commitment to build a new generation of Church leaders who are faithful, compassionate, and ready to serve society.

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph has been elected as the National President of the YMCA India, beginning a new chapter of service after his judicial career.

Born on November 30, 1953, in Kerala, he started his legal career at the Kerala High Court after studying at Government Law College in Ernakulam. He later became a judge of the same court and went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2010.

In March 2013, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in November 2018. During his time in the top court, he was known for supporting transparency, accountability, and the protection of constitutional values.

He gained national attention in 2018 when he joined three other senior judges in raising concerns about the functioning of the judiciary. This rare step was seen as an effort to protect the independence of the judicial system.

Even after retirement, he has stayed active in public life, taking part in discussions on law, governance, and social issues.

His election as YMCA National President is expected to strengthen the organisation’s work in youth leadership, community service, and inclusive development. His experience and strong moral values are seen as an advantage for guiding the organisation’s future.

This appointment highlights how retired judges continue to serve society in meaningful ways.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) gave a warm farewell to Leopoldo Girelli at a special gathering in New Delhi on April 23, 2026.

Archbishop Girelli served as the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal from March 13, 2021, to April 23, 2026. The farewell programme was held at the Apostolic Nunciature and was attended by many Church leaders, bishops, and diplomats.

Among those present were Filipe Neri Ferrão, Peter Machado, Anil Couto, and Baselios Mar Cleemis. Several bishops from northern India and ambassadors from different countries also attended the event.
In his message, Cardinal Ferrão thanked Archbishop Girelli for his dedicated service. He especially praised his concern for the poor and his efforts to build unity within the Church and society.

In his reply, Archbishop Girelli expressed gratitude to the Church in India for their support. He said his time in India was both challenging and enriching. He described the Indian Church as vibrant and diverse, with strong traditions and cultures.

As part of the farewell, he was honoured with a memento, a traditional shawl, and a letter of appreciation from the Church leaders.

Archbishop Girelli left India on April 24, 2026, to begin his new mission in Croatia, continuing his service to the global Church.

Alex Joseph Vadakumthala has been appointed as the Ecclesiastical Advisor of Jesus Youth International, marking an important step in his service to the global Church.

The bishop from Kerala has already been serving as the advisor to Jesus Youth India for the past six years. His new role at the international level is seen as a continuation of his strong involvement in guiding the movement’s spiritual and organisational growth.

He was appointed Bishop of Kannur in 2014 by Pope Francis. Before becoming a bishop, he served as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Verapoly.

Born on June 14, 1959, in Maradu, he began his priestly training at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Ernakulam and later studied philosophy and theology in Pune. He was ordained a priest in 1984.
In his early ministry, he served in parishes in Verapoly and Koonammavu. He later earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in 1992.

He also served in the Pontifical Council for Health and worked with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in health ministry. He has held several leadership roles, including President of the Canon Law Society of India.

His new appointment comes at a time when youth movements are playing a key role in the Church’s mission, especially in evangelisation and leadership formation worldwide.

Academicians, media profe-ssionals, and spiritual leaders gathered in Ghaziabad to discuss the role of journalism in building a better nation. The Fourth Na-tional Media Conference 2026, organised by NISCORT Media College in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris, focused on promoting “solution-based journalism.”

The theme of the conference was “Solution Based Media for a Prosperous Bharat.” Participants highlighted the need for media to move beyond only reporting problems and instead focus on solutions that bring hope, peace, and development.

Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar stressed that journalists have a responsibility to be ethical and accurate. He said solution-based journalism helps present reality with hope and encourages critical thinking while protecting constitutional values. BK Sushant pointed out that many social problems come from a decline in human values. He said media with compassion can play an important role in improving society. Fr. Robinson Rodrigues said that in a world facing conflict and division, solution-based journalism can help bring peace and understanding. The conference included two sessions with 15 research paper presentations. Topics covered ethical reporting, digital media trends, and the positive impact of solution-focused stories. Ritu Dubey Tiwari said the event aimed to connect academic ideas with real media practice. She added that value-based journalism can strengthen democracy and help build a more hopeful and inclusive society.

The Catholic Bishops’ Con-ference of India has invited dio-ceses to celebrate the 60th World Day of Social Communications on May 17, 2026. Centered on Pope Leo XIV’s theme, “Pre-serving Human Voices and Faces,” the initiative emphasizes authentic human connection over mere information sharing.

The CBCI warns that while digital technology and artificial intelligence offer benefits, they must be used responsibly to prevent the ero-sion of personal relationships and critical thinking. Given India’s cultural diversity, the Church aims to foster truthful, inclusive dialogue and unity. Planned activities include special Eucharistic celebrations for media professionals, workshops on AI ethics, and youth competitions in digital content creation. By encouraging young people to become “digital missionaries,” the CBCI seeks to promote media ethics and combat fake news, reaffirming a commitment to compassionate communication in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Concerns are being raised about whether the needs of poor and marginalized communities in India are receiving enough attention in current government policies. Observers say many families still struggle daily with basic needs such as cooking gas, electricity, healthcare, and proper roads.

In recent years, government focus has included stricter rules under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act and the introduction of anti-conversion laws in several states. Supporters say these steps ensure transparency and protect social harmony. However, critics argue that such measures have made it difficult for many non-governmental organizations to function, especially those working in rural and tribal areas.

Reports indicate that thousands of NGO licenses have been canceled over the years. Many of these groups were involved in running schools, clinics, and social welfare programs, particularly in remote regions where government services are limited. Critics say the closure of such organizations has created gaps in essential services.

There are also concerns about infrastructure and basic services. While the government has invested in major projects, issues like fuel shortages, poor rural roads, and power cuts continue to affect everyday life for many citizens.

Some analysts believe that policies should focus more on improving living conditions for the poor rather than creating additional challenges for welfare organizations. They stress that access to education, healthcare, and basic facilities is a key responsibility of any government.

The discussion highlights the need for balanced policies that ensure development, fairness, and support for all sections of society, especially the most vulnerable.

The Holy Father has appointed Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão as a member of the Dicastery for Communication, the Vatican office responsible for overseeing the Church’s global communication work. This includes news services, digital media, and public outreach.

Cardinal Ferrão currently serves as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and is the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. He is also the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, making him one of the most influential Catholic leaders in India and across Asia.

His appointment is seen as an important recognition of the growing role of the Indian Church in the global Catholic community. It also highlights the trust placed in Asian Church leaders in shaping the Church’s mission in today’s world.

The Dicastery for Communication plays a key role in sharing the message of the Church with people around the world. It manages Vatican media platforms and works to communicate the Gospel in a clear and modern way. Cardinal Ferrão is expected to bring valuable experience and insights from the Asian context, especially in reaching diverse communities.

This new responsibility adds to his many leadership roles and is a proud moment for the Church in India. It shows the increasing contribution of Indian leaders in the life and mission of the universal Church, especially in the field of communication in the digital age.

Christine Nathan, a Mumbai-based labor rights champion and president of the International Catholic Migration Commission, has been appointed as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

It is a significant recognition of a woman who has spent four decades fighting for migrant and unorganized workers. Theologian Astrid Lobo Gajiwala called it a “proud moment for India,” while Sister Rani Punnasseril of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India praised Nathan as a capable yet humble woman with deep knowledge of workers’ issues.

Christine Nathan expressed gratitude to the Pope and reaffirmed her commitment to the Church’s mission of upholding the dignity of migrants and refugees over the coming five years. She said the post is a great opportunity to serve the Church’s efforts to uphold the dignity of migrants and refugees. It is also a great honour for the ICMC, which she has served as international president for the past four years.

Nathan has engaged in grassroots activism for four decades, championing the labor rights of migrant and unorganized women workers. From 2006 to 2014, she served as a regional specialist at the International Labor Organization (ILO), directing activities across 21 Asia-Pacific countries. Her appointment is not a reward It is a reckoning.