Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil has urged Syro-Malabar Catholics to use digital technology responsibly, remain faithful to the truth, and strengthen family prayer in a pastoral letter issued ahead of the 2026 Dukrana–Sabhadinam (St. Thomas’ Day) celebrations.

The pastoral letter, addressed to bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful, presents St. Thomas the Apostle as a model of faith and courage. It encourages Catholics to follow his example by living as faithful witnesses to Christ in today’s world.

Highlighting the challenges of the digital age, the Major Archbishop called on people to use social media with honesty and responsibility. He warned against spreading false information, hatred and harmful content online, urging everyone to verify facts before sharing them. Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he said technology should always respect human dignity and serve the common good.

The letter also stresses the importance of Christian families as the first place where faith is nurtured. Parents were encouraged to spend more quality time with their children through daily family prayer and by observing periods of “digital fasting,” such as keeping mobile phones away during meals.

Expressing concern over issues such as youth violence, drug abuse and neglect of the elderly, the Major Archbishop called on Catholics to become ambassadors of peace, justice and compassion through their daily lives. He also encouraged greater unity within the Church and announced Jeevan Jyothi, a new initiative to strengthen the missionary work of lay people across the Syro-Malabar Church. The pastoral letter will be read in all Syro-Malabar parishes and institutions during the Dukrana celebrations.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has appealed for peace and reconciliation among the state’s communities, urging people to reject violence and work together to rebuild trust. During his visit to the hill districts of Kangpokpi and Senapati, he referred to the teachings of both the Bible and Gautama Buddha, highlighting the shared values of forgiveness, compassion, and mutual respect.

Addressing community leaders and residents, the Chief Minister said lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. He called on the Kuki, Naga, and Meitei communities to overcome divisions caused by the ethnic conflict and work together for a better future.

In Kangpokpi, Singh met Church leaders and local representatives. He assured them that the government remains committed to investigating the killings of Christian Church leaders during the violence and bringing those responsible to justice. The assurance was welcomed by local residents, who have repeatedly sought accountability and better protection for religious leaders and civilians.

The Chief Minister also visited Senapati district, where he held discussions with civil society groups, religious leaders, and government officials on restoring normal life, improving public services, and strengthening cooperation among different communities.

Although the level of violence has reduced, many families are still living in relief camps or rebuilding their lives after being displaced. Community leaders said lasting peace will require continued dialogue, justice for victims, and cooperation across ethnic and religious communities. The visit is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation, restore peace, and strengthen unity in Manipur.

The Kerala Government has assured the Latin Catholic community that it will continue to support the welfare of coastal residents and fisherfolk through new schemes and policy measures. The assurance was given by Kerala Fisheries Minister Adv. V. E. Abdul Gafoor while inaugurating the 47th General Assembly of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) at the Alpha Pastoral Centre, Idakochi.

The minister said the government is committed to addressing the problems faced by coastal communities and will give due attention to the genuine demands of the Latin Catholic community. He added that several welfare programmes for fishing families are being planned.

The three-day assembly has brought together representatives from the 12 Latin Catholic dioceses of Kerala to discuss the Church’s pastoral mission and the social and economic development of the community.

The inaugural session was presided over by Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the KRLCC. Several Church leaders, public representatives, and KRLCC office-bearers also addressed the gathering.

A major focus of the first day was the preparation of a 10-year pastoral plan for the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala. Participants also discussed the present challenges and future opportunities for the community, including education, employment, and social development.

The evening session included an address by Higher Education Minister Roji M. John and a cultural performance of Chavittunadakam based on the life of Blessed Mother Eliswa. The assembly will continue with discussions on pastoral planning, welfare programmes, education, employment, and the recommendations of the J. B. Koshy Commission. The event will conclude on July 12 with reports, scholarship distribution, and a concluding address by Archbishop Chakkalakal.

The Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), also known as the Bengal Christian Council, has expressed concern over a series of alleged attacks on churches and Christian communities in West Bengal. The organization has announced a fact-finding visit to the affected areas and plans to hold a peaceful protest, calling for better protection of religious minorities.

In a statement issued on July 8, BCP claimed that several incidents reported in different parts of the state during the past month followed a similar pattern. The group alleged that attacks on Christians were followed by accusations of forced religious conversion and the circulation of videos on social media that portrayed Christians negatively.

Among the incidents highlighted was an alleged attack on a Christian wedding thanksgiving gathering in Paschim Medinipur on July 4. BCP claimed that some women attending the event were assaulted and that the pastor was later detained by police on what it described as baseless allegations. The organization also referred to attacks on a church in Purba Bardhaman and a church under construction in South 24 Parganas, where it alleged vandalism, theft, and damage to Christian symbols.

BCP has urged the state government to ensure the safety of churches and Christian families and to conduct fair investigations into the reported incidents. It also appealed to civil society and religious leaders to work together to maintain peace and harmony. The planned fact-finding mission aims to document the reported incidents, meet affected families, and submit its findings to the authorities while seeking justice and stronger protection for religious freedom.

Hundreds of Catholics gathered at the historic St. John the Baptist Church in Andheri (East), Mumbai, to celebrate the Feast of St. John the Baptist with prayer and devotion. The faithful took part in a 30-minute Eucharistic Adoration, praying for peace, unity, and a stronger faith.

The church, located inside the Santacruz Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ), was built in 1579 by Portuguese priest Father Manuel Gomes. Now 447 years old, it is one of Mumbai’s oldest churches. Although it was abandoned in 1840 after a local epidemic, its historic ruins remain a place of deep spiritual importance. A new parish, St. John the Evangelist Church in nearby Marol, now serves the local Catholic community, but the faithful return every year to celebrate the feast.

Parish priest Father Anthony J. Fernandes expressed hope that the Church would one day be allowed to celebrate Holy Mass at the historic site every month. Father Andrew Anthony Mukadom recalled that centuries ago, Catholics from Kanjurmarg, Powai, Sahar, and nearby areas gathered there for worship.

The Feast of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24, honours the birth of the saint who prepared the way for Jesus Christ through his preaching and baptism. It is one of only three birthdays celebrated in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

The feast also coincided with the traditional São João Festival, celebrated in Goa and parts of Mumbai with music, dance, floral crowns, and joyful cultural activities. The celebration reflected the strong faith of Mumbai’s Catholic community and its commitment to preserving centuries-old Christian heritage and traditions.

While most children his age spend their free time playing games, 12-year-old Yohan Joseph Biju from Kerala has already become a published author with three English novels released in two books.

Yohan began his writing journey after developing a love for reading. Encouraged by books gifted by his father, he started creating his own stories inspired by fantasy and adventure novels.

His first novel, Mission to a Mysterious Village, was published in 2024 when he was studying in Class 5. The story combines fantasy, mystery, thriller and time travel. This year, he released his second book, Adventures of Duo, which contains two novels and continues the story begun in his first work. He is already working on future books in the series.

Yohan comes from a family with a strong literary background. His father, Biju Vinayak Nirmal, is a well-known writer who has published more than 100 books. His mother, Sheejamol Thomas, and his elder brother, Francis Leo, have encouraged his writing journey. Francis, a seminarian, also designed the covers of Yohan’s books.

Apart from writing, Yohan enjoys reading, playing the guitar, serving as an altar server in his parish, and taking part in sports. He balances his creative interests with his school studies. Yohan dreams of becoming a software engineer and creating animated content for children in the future. His remarkable achievement at such a young age has inspired many students and young readers, proving that dedication, imagination and family support can turn dreams into reality.

A tea vendor from Thrippunithura has won the admiration of people across the country after showing remarkable compassion to a woman injured in a road accident.

The incident took place near Statue Junction when a 56-year-old woman riding a scooter was involved in a serious accident with a bus. According to reports, she was dragged several metres before local residents managed to stop the vehicle. She suffered severe injuries, and her clothes were torn during the accident.

Among the first people to reach the scene was M.R. Shaji, a 53-year-old tea vendor who has been serving tea to nearby shops, banks, and offices for many years.

Without thinking twice, Shaji removed the mundu (dhoti) he was wearing and used it to cover the injured woman, protecting her dignity while she waited for medical help. A nearby shopkeeper later gave Shaji another cloth to wear.

Speaking after the incident, Shaji said he simply did what he felt was right. His only concern was that the injured woman should not suffer further embarrassment during such a painful moment.

Local residents and bystanders later helped move the woman into an autorickshaw and rushed her to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The incident gained widespread attention after CCTV footage of Shaji’s selfless act spread on social media. Thousands of people praised his kindness, quick thinking, and respect for human dignity.

Although many have called him a hero, Shaji has remained humble, saying anyone should have done the same. His simple act of compassion has become a powerful reminder that humanity and kindness can shine even in the most difficult moments.

Christian organizations and tribal community leaders in Chhattisgarh have urged the state government to withdraw a directive asking schools to include Hindu prayers and rituals in their daily activities.

The directive, issued by the state’s Education Department on June 12, asks all government-recognized schools to begin the school day by chanting prayers in praise of Hindu deities and lighting a traditional Hindu lamp. The new practice is to be followed during the current academic year.

Christian leaders say the order violates the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Christopher Paul said that if the government does not withdraw the directive, Christian students and teachers should at least be exempted from taking part in Hindu prayers and rituals. He said his organization has already written to the Education Department requesting an exemption but has not yet received a reply.

Simon Digbal Tandi said schools should remain secular and should not promote any one religion. He added that Christian groups are consulting legal experts and may approach the High Court if the directive is enforced on Christian schools.

A Catholic school principal, speaking anonymously, said the school has not yet received an official order and will decide its response after receiving formal instructions.

Tribal leaders have also opposed the move. Manish Kunjam said that Adivasis follow their own traditional faith and should not be compelled to participate in Hindu religious practices through the school system.

The issue has sparked fresh debate over religious freedom, secular education, and the rights of minority communities in India.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has publicly apologized for the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, expressing hope that the move will reduce tensions and help end the economic blockade affecting Kuki-Zo communities.

The apology came after the bodies of six Naga villagers were found near a Kuki-Zo village on June 10. The incident further increased tensions between the two tribal communities, both of which are largely Christian.

Speaking at a press conference in Churachandpur, KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet admitted that the killings were a serious mistake. He expressed deep regret on behalf of the Kuki-Zo community and called on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

A Church leader from the Kuki community said the apology was made to restore peace and end hostility between the two communities. He explained that the ongoing economic blockade has caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in Kuki-Zo areas, leaving many families dependent on supplies brought by the armed forces.

However, Naga organizations rejected the apology, saying that it would not be accepted until those responsible for the killings are punished according to law. They also announced that the economic blockade would continue until justice is served.

The recent violence is part of a series of retaliatory attacks between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities that began in April. Around 30 people have been killed and about 45 Kuki villages have been burned in the latest clashes. The unrest comes amid the wider ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began in May 2023 and has claimed more than 260 lives, displaced over 60,000 people, and destroyed thousands of homes, churches, and Church institutions.