Sathyadeepam Weekly – Page 2

Carmelite Nuns Help Taxi Drivers Build a Stronger Community

A unique initiative led by Catholic Carmelite nuns is helping taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers in Kerala receive financial, emotional and social support. The initiative, known as Sarathi Helpline for Drivers, brings together drivers from different religious communities. The program began in 2016 in Thiruvambady, Kozhikode district. It was started after a nun noticed the important […]

Decline in Government Schools Raises Concern Over India’s Education System

India’s education system is facing serious challenges, with a large number of government and government-aided schools reportedly closing in recent years. The issue has raised concerns about access to education, school infrastructure and the future of millions of children. According to figures discussed in a recent report, around 84,000 government or government-aided schools have closed […]

Bengal Dioceses Plan Resource Centers to Support Migrant Workers

Catholic dioceses in Bengal and Sikkim are planning to establish Migrant Resource Centers to support migrant workers across the region. The decision was taken during a two-day regional workshop held in Burdwan on August 24 and 25. Around 50 participants from eight dioceses attended the workshop. They included priests, religious sisters, lay people and representatives […]

Syro-Malabar Church Elects New Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam

The Syro-Malabar Church has elected Father Thomas Animoottil as the new auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Kottayam. The election was made by the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church with the prior assent of Pope Leo XIV. His appointment was officially announced on August 27, 2026. Bishop-elect Thomas Animoottil is 64 years old […]

Cardinal Poola Calls for Justice and Unity on Independence Day

Cardinal Anthony Poola, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, has called on Indians to protect freedom, justice and equality as the country celebrated Independence Day on August 15. In his Independence Day message, Cardinal Poola reminded citizens that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. He said that the freedom achieved […]

CCBI Stands with Nepal Flood Victims, Calls for Prayer and Support

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims of devastating floods and landslides in the Nepal-China border region. The disaster has caused deaths, injuries and major losses to homes and livelihoods. In a statement issued on August 28, the CCBI joined Pope Leo XIV in offering […]

Indian Court Rejects Plea Against Removal of Mosque Loudspeakers

An Indian court has rejected a petition challenging the removal of loudspeakers from mosques, allowing authorities to continue enforcing restrictions on the use of loudspeakers at religious places. The case is part of a wider debate in India about religious freedom, public noise and the rights of different communities. Authorities had taken action against loudspeakers […]

Indian Court Allows Christian Woman to File Divorce Case Where She Lives

An Indian court has ruled that a Christian woman can file a divorce petition in the place where she currently lives, giving greater access to justice for Christian women seeking to end a marriage. The decision addresses restrictions created by an old colonial-era law that had made divorce proceedings more difficult for some Christian women. […]

Pope Leo calls Uruguay “a Country of Young People Who have Faith”

Mortal remains of prominent Church leaders Return to Timor-Leste