Thousands of people gathered at St. Raphael’s Church, Thykudam, on January 21, 2026, to observe the fourth death anniversary of Ajna George Muttungal, a young assistant professor and a dedicated member of the Jesus Youth Kerala Music Ministry. Ajna passed away at the age of 27, but her life of faith and service continues to inspire many. Born on April 2, 1994, Ajna was known for her deep love for God, simple lifestyle, and humble nature. The memorial Holy Mass saw an unexpectedly large turnout, with the church filled beyond capacity. Many people stood outside the church as there was no space left inside. Volunteers said it was one of the biggest memorial gatherings they had witnessed in recent years. The remembrance programme included exhibitions prepared by young people, personal sharing, and a short theatrical presentation that reflected Ajna’s life and values. Many participants said the atmosphere was deeply prayerful and emotional, and they felt spiritually strengthened during the event. Ajna is especially remembered for her strong devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic and while undergoing treatment for osteosarcoma, she never missed attending Holy Mass. Though she was talented in music, she chose to serve quietly, praying for others and supporting ministries from behind the scenes. Even four years after her passing, many continue to seek Ajna’s prayers, remembering her as a young woman who lived her faith through humility, silent service, and personal care for others. The large gathering in Kochi stood as a powerful sign of the lasting impact of her life.
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Global Autism Convention in Bengaluru Calls for Better Care and Awareness
The third global convention on autism concluded in Bengaluru on January 25 with a strong call to improve facilities and services for people with autism, as their numbers continue to rise worldwide. Experts noted that about one in every 100 people globally is on the autism spectrum and needs professional support along with understanding and empathy from society.
The weeklong convention was hosted by St. John’s Medical College, which is owned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. During the event, the college announced plans to set up a special wing on its campus dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of people with autism.
Around 1,000 delegates from different countries took part in the scientific conference. About 155 speakers presented research papers and shared insights on caring for people with autism at home and in the community. Parents, caregivers, and social workers also spoke about their experiences and efforts to improve the quality of life of autistic persons.
One inspiring speaker was Alina Alam, who founded “Mitti Café” at the age of 22 to create jobs for people with autism and other disabilities. The café chain now has more than 50 outlets, including in major public institutions, and has created over 6,500 livelihoods while serving millions of meals.
Indigenous Women in Manipur Demand Justice for Victims of Violence
Indigenous women in Manipur, a troubled state in northeast India, have demanded justice for women victims of sexual violence and ethnic killings, most of whom belong to tribal Christian communities. The protests were held on January 21 and 22 in the district headquarters of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
The women, mainly from the Kuki-Zo indigenous communities, submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through local authorities. They demanded immediate justice for women who were killed or sexually abused during the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
According to the memorandum, at least 29 indigenous women were killed during the violence. The victims included young girls, elderly women, and even a woman with mental disability. The protestors alleged that the women suffered extreme forms of violence such as rape, gang rape, lynching, hacking to death, burning alive, abduction, and neglect while in custody.
The protest gained renewed strength after the death of a 20-year-old gang rape survivor on January 10 this year. She was abducted and assaulted in May 2023 and later abandoned. Her death without justice deeply affected the community and pushed women to speak out.
Protestors carried placards demanding arrests of the perpetrators and an end to government inaction. They questioned why justice had not been delivered even after cases were registered and investigations handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Manipur has witnessed severe ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo tribal people and the Meitei community since May 3, 2023. Around 260 people were killed, over 60,000 displaced, and thousands of homes and churches destroyed.
Although the state is now under federal rule, peace has not fully returned. Indigenous leaders say justice and lasting peace will remain difficult without a clear political solution that ensures safety and dignity for tribal communities.
Pastoral Council Elections Mark Strong Lay Participation in Ernakulam–Angamaly Major Archdiocese
The newly constituted pastoral council of the Major Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly has taken shape following elections held on January 24 at the Renewal Centre, Kaloor reflecting active participation of clergy and laity in the pastoral life of the Church.
Shaiju Antony was elected secretary of the pastoral council, with Jaini Samraj serving as joint secretary. Along with them, Riju Kanjookaran, Nimmy Antony, and Father Sunny Kalapurackal were chosen as members of the pastoral council’s executive committee. Boby John Malayil was elected to lead the Kerala Catholic Council, strengthening coordination between the archdiocese and wider Catholic bodies.
The elections were conducted in the presence of Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly and Mar Joseph Pamplany, Vicar of the Major Archbishop for the Archdiocese highlighting the importance of the process. The archdiocesan chancellor, Father Antony Vazhakkala, and vice chancellor, Father Paul Meledath, served as returning officers, ensuring the smooth and transparent conduct of the elections.
Speaking after the results, Riju Kanjookaran noted that around 170 representatives from various forane churches and parishes participated in the voting. The newly elected pastoral council will guide pastoral planning and decision-making in the archdiocese for the next three years. Church members have expressed hope that the council will foster unity, dialogue, and renewed commitment to the spiritual and pastoral mission of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly.
The Chosen Encounter’ at JAAGO 2025 Draws Over 12,000 Youth in Bangalore
‘The Chosen Encounter’ marked a major highlight of the JAAGO National Conference held at Christ University, bringing together over 12,000 youth from dioceses across India. The large-scale gathering stood out as one of the most significant national youth events of the year, with participants engaging in faith-centred reflection and collective worship. The encounter was based on the television series ‘The Chosen’.
Led by Ajin Joseph, Catholic Engagement Manager of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the encounter used selected scenes and testimonies from The Chosen to invite young participants to reflect on the life of Christ, prompting many to describe the experience as deeply personal and spiritually enriching.
During the session, organisers announced the theatrical release of The Chosen: The Crucifixion, scheduled for February 2027. Youth were encouraged to support the release by watching the film in theatres and promoting it within their local communities. Several participants expressed their commitment to attend the screening and to invite others, viewing the initiative as an opportunity to witness to their faith. The encounter included moments of prayer and reflection, during which many youth shared testimonies of renewed faith and inspiration emerging from the session.
Family on one-rupee cycle mission to change periphery people
A 37-year-old man from Kerala is on an all-India cycle journey with a unique mission: to build India’s first housing enclave for persons with disabilities by collecting just one rupee from people he meets. Raneesh Thattaruparambil, a mobile shop owner, began his “Mission One Rupee” in January 2021 with a schoolteacher friend. After a six-month break in 2025 due to personal reasons, he resumed the journey on January 7, this time accompanied by his wife Rajini and their fourth-grade son, Rio. Kerala Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar flagged off the second phase at the Pathanamthitta bus stand.
Raneesh said the idea was born from a desire to “leave a mark on the world” by helping the most vulnerable. The project aims to build houses for five physically disabled families who have neither land nor homes. Funds collected during the first phase were used to purchase land and lay foundation stones for five houses at Ambalavayal in Wayanad.
The family travels in a custom-built cycle caravan, a compact mobile home equipped with basic amenities powered by solar energy. Along the way, they request just one rupee from individuals, though many choose to give more. Raneesh said the public response has been largely supportive, despite occasional hesitation due to concerns over charity misuse. Once completed, the project is expected to become India’s first residential colony dedicated to families with disabilities.
Church Leaders Discuss Education, Culture at CHRIST University, Bengaluru
Church leaders, educationists and representatives of Catholic institutions gathered at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) for an interaction titled “Listening with the Heart: A Shared Journey in Education and Culture,” featuring Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
Jointly organised by the CBCI Office for Education and Culture, the Karnataka Regional Commission for Education and CHRIST University, the programme addressed contemporary questions related to Catholic education and cultural engagement in India.
In his address, Archbishop Polvani highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage as a valuable resource for the Church’s mission in education and society. Referring to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, genetics and biotechnology, he spoke of the emergence of the “digital human” and warned that these developments would reshape humanity at an anthropological level. He stressed the need to ensure that technology serves the common good rather than directing human destiny. He also pointed to India’s lived experience of religious and cultural diversity, describing it as a model of “disarmed peace” that offers insights into coexistence in complex societies.
Bishop Elias Gonsalves, Chairman of the CBCI Education Apostolate, underlined the importance of collective reflection and collaboration in responding to changing educational realities. A session on “Challenges and Opportunities” featured contributions from Fr Charles Maria, Secretary of CBCI Education, and Fr Jose C., Vice Chancellor of CHRIST University. Perspectives from school and college education were shared by Dr Sr Deepti, Dr Sr Louiza and Sr Jessy Pereira. An interactive session allowed participants to engage Archbishop Polvani on education, culture and the Church’s pastoral mission, moderated by Dr Fr Francis Assisi Almeida.
Ecumenical summit pledges to safeguard Indian Christians’ constitutional rights
A major ecumenical summit held in Chennai has resolved to strengthen the Christian community’s socio-economic and political empowerment while safeguarding its constitutional rights.
Nearly 6,000 representatives from different Christian denominations across India participated in “Tabor 2025,” organised at the St. Thomas Mount National Shrine Basilica. The event was conducted simultaneously at four venues for youth, children, religious and lay participants.
The summit marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed was adopted as a foundational expression of Christian faith. Organisers said the initiative will continue until 2033, when Christians commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Christ.
Held at the traditional site of the martyrdom of St Thomas the Apostle, the gathering took place against the backdrop of increasing attacks on Christians in several parts of the country. Under the theme “Christianity: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” speakers reflected on the Church’s responsibilities amid social challenges and religious intolerance.
Participants highlighted the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, social justice and development, while expressing concern over the suffering faced by Christian communities. Calls were made for unity, prayer and collective action against injustice and discrimination. Speakers also urged Christians to overcome social evils such as caste discrimination, dowry and corruption.
The summit emphasised the constitutional values of equality, liberty and fraternity, urging believers to defend these principles. Concluding resolutions stressed active participation in nation-building, ethical use of media, and the need to strengthen Christian identity rooted in love, peace and reconciliation.
Saint Devasahayam to Be Declared Patron Saint of the Laity in India
Martyr Saint Devasahayam is set to be formally declared the Patron Saint of the Laity in India at a solemn ceremony on 14 January, to be held at the Devasahayam Mount Shrine in Aralvaimozhy, a historic site closely linked to the saint’s life and martyrdom. The declaration will be made during a Eucharistic celebration at the shrine, marking a significant moment for the Catholic community across the country. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, will formally proclaim the patronage, while Archbishop George Antonysammy of Madras–Mylapore will preside over the liturgy along with several senior church leaders. The celebration will bring together archbishops, bishops, priests, religious and lay representatives from different parts of India. The homily will be delivered by Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry–Cuddalore, with Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai and Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi among the concelebrants. Bishop Eugene Joseph also serves as chairman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Commission for Laity.
A key highlight of the event will be the launch of the ‘Devasahayam Spirituality Movement’, aimed at encouraging lay people to draw inspiration from the life, faith and sacrifice of Saint Devasahayam in their daily lives. Church leaders have described the declaration as a moment of national significance, recognising Saint Devasahayam as a model of faith and courage for lay Christians in India. The saint is widely remembered for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, summed up in his well-known words: “I have decided to follow Jesus, and no one can turn me back.”
Fr. Jacob Parappally, MSFS, Receives 2025 Honorable Mention
Prof. Dr. Fr. Jacob Parappally, MSFS, received a 2025 Honorable Mention from the Catholic Media Association (CMA) in the USA for his book, Christ Without Borders, published by Orbis Books (Maryknoll, New York). The book was featured in a discussion by the Canadian Theological Association in June 2025, which included presentations by four professors of theology.
Fr. Parappally is a prominent Indian theologian specializing in Christology, as well as a dedicated teacher, research guide, and author. He holds a doctorate in Theology from the University of Freiburg, Germany. Over his distinguished career, he has published 12 books and over 250 theological articles. The Indian Church is deeply grateful to him for bringing Indian theology to a wider global audience.