A significant chapter unfolded for the Catholic community in Mumbai with the ordination of Bishop Stephen Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, an event that brought together senior Church leaders, clergy and faithful from across the city. The episcopal ordination took place at Our Lady of Salvation Church, a parish closely linked to the new bishop’s own faith journey. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, served as the principal consecrator, assisted by Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay and Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, former Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal and President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in the Vatican. More than 30 bishops and archbishops participated in the celebration, including Cardinal Oswald Gracias and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao. Priests, religious, lay faithful and members of the diplomatic community were also present.

The official poster of the Youth Mission Animation Programme (YMAP) was formally unveiled, marking the launch of a new leadership formation initiative for young people across Kerala. Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KRLCBC), released the poster, underlining the Church’s commitment to nurturing youth leadership rooted in mission, service and Christian values.

The programme is organised by the KRLCBC Youth Commission in collaboration with Communio, an initiative of the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India (CCBI). YMAP is designed as a structured leadership training platform aimed at empowering young people with a strong sense of responsibility towards the Church and society.

Several Church leaders and youth representatives were present at the launch. Among them were Bishop Christudas Rajappan, General Secretary of the KRLCBC, and Bishop Dennis Kuruppassery, the newly elected Chairman of the KRLCBC Youth Commission. Fr Anoop Kalathithara OSJ, Executive Secretary of the Youth Commission, Mr Paul Jose, President of the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement Latin (KCYM Latin), and youth leaders from different parts of the state also attended.

Organisers announced that the first YMAP residential training programme will be held from January 16 to 18 in Kozhikode (Calicut). The sessions will focus on values-based leadership, mission orientation and active engagement in social and ecclesial life.

Through YMAP, the KRLCBC Youth Commission aims to form a new generation of committed Catholic leaders capable of responding creatively to contemporary challenges while remaining faithful to the Church’s mission. The unveiling of the poster marks the formal beginning of preparations and reflects a renewed emphasis on youth leadership and mission animation within the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala.

Financial assistance and long-term mentorship from Father Abraham Karukaparambil have enabled four young men from economically disadvantaged families in Odisha to complete their medical education and begin serving in government healthcare institutions.

Dr. Sailendu Singh, from Alanjuri village in Kandhamal district, said financial hardship almost forced him to discontinue his MBBS studies at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. His circumstances changed when Father Abraham stepped in to support him, contributing nearly ₹1 lakh annually and offering consistent encouragement throughout his academic journey. Singh now serves as a government medical officer at Subarnagiri Community Health Centre in Kandhamal.

Three other students also completed their MBBS with similar support. Dr. Sarada Charan Bardhan from Birikote Parish in the Berhampur Diocese has joined St. John’s Medical College as an orthopaedic doctor while pursuing postgraduate studies. Dr. Kusum Nayak from Gajapati district works as a government medical officer at Subarnagiri Community Health Centre, and Akshya Montry from the Berhampur Diocese serves at Kashinagar Community Health Centre in Gajapati district.

A native of Kerala, Father Abraham has served in Odisha for over three decades, focusing on the education and upliftment of Dalit and tribal communities. He is currently ministering in Texas under the Archdiocese of San Antonio, USA. According to Father Abraham, he presently supports 47 students across India pursuing professional education, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy and other higher studies. Over the years, hundreds of students from financially weak backgrounds have benefited from his assistance, with many now working as doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers and civil servants, including professionals in leading national institutions.

Bringing together members of the Anglo-Indian community from across the world, the 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion 2026 will be held in Kochi, Kerala, from January 11 to 17, 2026, under the theme “Coming Back to Familiar Shores.”

The reunion invites participants to come together and celebrate their shared heritage, culture, and identity, while strengthening ties across borders and forging new memories. A range of events has been planned as part of the week-long gathering, including a Meet and Greet, Symposium, Workshops, Musical Evening, Food Festival, Boat Cruise, and a Grand Ball.

Participants are encouraged to register through the official website to avail of the early bird offer. The reunion is being organised by the Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India (FAAI), a member of the International Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations.

Christian leaders in India’s eastern state of Odisha have expressed concern over growing hostility toward Christians after villagers prevented the burial of an elderly tribal Catholic, forcing his family to conduct the rites several kilometres away days later.

Chhuta Hansda, a 90-year-old resident of Rangamatia village in Balasore diocese, died on January 7. Family members said preparations were being made for a Christian burial when his nephew objected, demanding that Sarna tribal rites be followed instead. Relatives declined, stating that the family had embraced Christianity decades earlier.

According to the deceased’s grandson, more villagers belonging to the Sarna animist tradition joined the protest and blocked the burial unless their rituals were observed. Local police and revenue officials visited the village on January 9 but were unable to resolve the dispute.

“The situation ended painfully for us,” said Binod Hansda, secretary of the Hatigarh Parish Council. “Three days after the death, the family was compelled to take the body to common land about five kilometres away to perform the last rites.”

Bishop Pallab Lima of the United Believers Council Network India confirmed the incident and said similar objections had occurred in the area in recent years. He warned that Christians were increasingly being denied burial rights across parts of the state and called for unity and dialogue.

Christian activist Pratima Minj said comparable incidents had been reported from several tribal districts, describing them as attempts to intimidate believers. Church leaders also alleged that attacks and harassment have increased in the past year.

Six Bajrang Dal members accused of vandalising Christmas decorations at Raipur’s Magneto Mall were released on bail, an event that soon drew criticism after turning into a public celebration.

The case relates to an incident during the Christmas season in which the group allegedly forced entry into the mall and damaged festive installations, including Christmas trees and decorative ornaments placed in common areas. The act reportedly caused disruption inside the mall and alarmed shoppers and staff, prompting police intervention and the arrest of those involved.

However, the release on bail was followed by scenes outside the premises that sparked controversy. Supporters gathered to welcome the accused with drums, garlands and celebratory music. Videos circulated on social media showed slogans being raised, including “Isai Missionary Murdabad,” which many observers described as provocative and intimidating.

Civil society organisations and minority groups condemned the public display, warning that celebrating individuals accused of vandalism could embolden intolerance and heighten communal tensions. They emphasised that bail does not amount to exoneration and called for restraint and respect for the rule of law.

Police officials stated that the investigation into the Magneto Mall incident is ongoing and assured that legal proceedings will continue in accordance with established procedures. Authorities also appealed to the public to maintain peace and allow the judicial process to take its course.