The Madras High Court has ruled that denying marginalized communities access to public burial or cremation grounds amounts to practicing untouchability and can invite criminal action.

In its February 11 order, made public on February 23, the court stated that preventing Dalits and other socially disadvantaged groups from using common burial spaces is “not just discriminatory” but a violation of the constitutional ban on untouchability. India outlawed the practice in 1950, making it a punishable offense, though reports indicate it continues in subtle forms in some rural areas.

The order was issued by Justice V. Lakshminarayanan while hearing three petitions related to a land dispute in Karumandisellipalayam village in Erode district. While official records classified the land as a bullock cart track, evidence showed parts of it had been used as a burial ground for more than 70 years. The inquiry also confirmed that several graves had been levelled in 2025.

The court directed district authorities to demarcate and fence the burial ground, prevent encroachments, expedite its reclassification, and take action against those responsible for disturbing graves. Church leaders and Dalit activists welcomed the ruling, calling it historic and a ray of hope for marginalized communities, including Dalit Christians. According to government data, more than 200 million Indians belong to historically disadvantaged groups, underscoring the continuing relevance of the judgment.

A Catholic mother of two has expressed gratitude to the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph for helping her leave what she described as a toxic interfaith relationship and rebuild her life.

The woman, who requested anonymity, said she was supported by the congregation’s Lumina Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre after her relationship turned controlling and abusive. She alleged that the man pressured her for money and valuables and later coerced her to convert and marry him. With the intervention of her parents, she spent six months at the center receiving counseling and spiritual guidance.

Sr. Jinu Thomas Valavanolickal, director of Lumina, said the center has handled 737 cases since its founding in 2017, including 347 involving Christian girls. She claimed many cases involve young women who feel isolated or vulnerable while studying away from home. The center provides psychotherapy alongside prayer, Eucharistic adoration and confession.

The sister said the ministry is not without risk. Some girls initially resist counseling, and young men have reportedly visited the center to threaten staff. Police occasionally provide protection or refer cases through court orders.

Supported by priests from the Thamarassery diocese, the sisters also conduct parish awareness programs. Parents of beneficiaries say the counseling has restored hope and stability in their families. The congregation, which has more than 700 members across India, funds and operates the center as part of its broader health and pastoral ministry.

The 31st martyrdom anniversary of Blessed Rani Maria was solemnly commemorated on February 25 at Udainagar Parish in the Diocese of Indore, drawing a large gathering of bishops, clergy, religious, and faithful. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Peter Rumal Kharadi, Bishop of the Diocese of Jhabua. He was joined by several bishops, including Leo Cornelio, along with about 50 priests, 160 religious sisters, and more than 600 faithful who gathered in prayerful remembrance of the martyr’s witness.

In his homily, Archbishop Cornelio reflected on Blessed Rani Maria’s life of service and sacrifice, noting that she sought to transform society through love even in the face of grave danger. He emphasised that authentic love demands sacrifice and reminded the faithful that Christian mission is rooted in the transformation of hearts and minds, fostering goodness, fraternity, and peace in society.

Following the Holy Mass, six faithful shared testimonies describing spiritual graces and personal renewal experienced through the intercession of Blessed Rani Maria. A book highlighting her social commitment and missionary service was also released on the occasion.

The commemoration reaffirmed the enduring inspiration of Blessed Rani Maria’s witness of faith, charity, and courage, calling the faithful to continue her mission of love and transformative service in the world.

Thirty-five women religious from 11 congregations are taking part in a five-day Financial Management Training Programme in Goa aimed at strengthening responsible financial administration within Church institutions. The programme, organised by the CCBI Extension Secretariat at Shanti Sadan, runs from February 10 to 14 and focuses on promoting transparency, accountability, and effective stewardship of resources. The training began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificacão Fernandes of Goa. In his homily, he encouraged participants to remain “PURE” in their service, describing it as Purity of intention, Understanding the purpose of resources, Responsibility with compassion, and Evangelical witness through integrity. Church leaders present highlighted that good financial administration helps build trust and credibility within religious communities and their ministries.

The programme has been designed especially for provincials and provincial financial administrators. Sessions are being led by chartered accountants who provide practical guidance on financial planning, compliance, ethical management, and transparent reporting. Organisers said the aim is to equip women religious with skills that support sound governance and responsible decision-making in Church institutions. In addition to academic sessions, participants will take part in a pilgrimage to important sacred sites in Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Sé Cathedral, allowing time for spiritual reflection alongside training. Shanti Sadan regularly conducts specialised courses for Church administrators, including programmes in diocesan management and finance. These initiatives seek to strengthen leadership capacity and promote accountability across Church structures while encouraging faithful stewardship of resources in service of the wider community.

The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has appointed Sr. Vineeta CSJ as its National Secretary for the 2026–2030 term. The announcement was made by Fr. Saju Chackalackal CMI, National President of CRI. A member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry, Tamnaya Province, Bhopal, Sr. Vineeta made her Final Profession on June 28, 2009. She brings to her new national responsibility a rich blend of academic excellence, administrative experience, and pastoral commitment, reflecting years of dedicated service within religious life and the wider Church.

Currently serving as Secretary of the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS), she has actively fostered coordination among religious congregations. Her regional experience is expected to strengthen CRI’s national initiatives and inter-congregational collaboration during her tenure.

Church leaders have expressed deep sorrow following a deadly coal mine explosion that killed at least 31 people in Meghalaya, a Christian-majority state in northeast India. According to the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority, the accident also left 10 people injured. Most of the victims were migrant workers from neighbouring Assam and Nepal. Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones, describing the tragedy as heart-breaking. He also called on authorities to take stronger action to prevent similar disasters and to curb illegal mining activities that continue to endanger lives.

The explosion occurred on Feb. 5 in a coal mine located in the remote Mynsyngat–Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district. Reports indicate that a dynamite blast inside the mine caused the accident. A large rescue operation involving multiple agencies was carried out, but access to information remained limited due to the area’s remote location. Church officials said they are still unsure whether Christians were among the victims. Meanwhile, state authorities have begun action against illegal mining operations following the tragedy. Two mine owners have been arrested, and officials seized more than 6,900 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal during raids.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has ordered a judicial inquiry and announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for families of the deceased. The Meghalaya High Court has also taken notice of the issue and sought explanations from local officials regarding the continued presence of illegal mining despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014.

The incident has renewed concerns about hazardous rat-hole mining, which remains widespread despite legal restrictions. Church leaders and activists have renewed calls for stronger action against caste discrimination in educational institutions following debates over University Grants Commission (UGC) equity regulations and a recent Supreme Court stay on their implementation.

Tribal communities in India’s eastern Odisha state, including many Christians, have expressed disappointment after President Droupadi Murmu did not respond to their appeal seeking protection of ancestral lands from industrial acquisition. Local tribal leaders said they felt particularly hurt as Murmu herself belongs to a tribal community from Odisha. Despite the lack of response, community representatives affirmed that their struggle to safeguard tribal land rights would continue until justice is achieved. The concerns centre on a proposed expansion of limestone quarry operations by Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd. near Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district. Tribal groups claim the company plans to acquire additional land affecting hundreds of families, adding to previously sanctioned areas. Protests against the project included a major highway blockade in January that halted work at the site for several hours. Community organizations allege that the acquisition process has moved forward without the informed consent of the Gram Sabha, or village assembly, which is legally required under India’s constitutional safeguards for designated tribal regions. The area falls under the Fifth Schedule, which provides special protections for tribal lands and mandates consultation with local councils before external development projects proceed. Church representatives supporting the tribal cause say such projects risk displacing vulnerable communities who depend on traditional farming for their livelihood. Residents also fear losing cultural identity tied to ancestral lands. Tribal leaders maintain that despite existing legal protections, industrial expansion continues to threaten their land rights and long-term economic security.

The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over delays in appointing new members to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), noting that the statutory body has remained largely non-functional since late 2024 due to prolonged vacancies.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia described a status report filed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs as “bald and vague,” stating that it lacked clarity on when the appointment process began and the stages completed so far. The court directed the government to submit a fresh affidavit outlining concrete steps taken and a clear timeline for filling the vacant posts.

The observations came during a hearing of a public interest litigation that alleged the government had failed to appoint a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and five members to the commission, effectively paralysing its functioning. Established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the NCM serves as a quasi-judicial body tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of minority communities.

Several positions became vacant after members completed their terms in November 2024, while the chairperson’s tenure ended in April 2025. The commission traditionally includes representatives from six notified minority communities — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains. The High Court had earlier raised concerns over the delays, highlighting the importance of maintaining functional institutional mechanisms for minority welfare and protection.

The three-year-long centenary celebrations of the Salesian Province of Kolkata concluded with a grand finale highlighting renewed commitment to youth education and empowerment. More than 2,000 participants attended the event at Don Bosco Park Circus, including leaders from 12 Salesian provinces in India and Sri Lanka, along with major superiors of religious congregations collaborating in youth ministry.

Salesian Rector Major Father Fabio Attard, addressing the gathering, described the celebrations as a tribute to young people and the transformative role of education. He emphasised that poverty and unemployment are global challenges that can be addressed through the “arms of education and empowerment,” reaffirming the Salesian mission among vulnerable youth.

Reflecting on the congregation’s history, he recalled that Saint John Bosco had envisioned a mission extending to India as early as 1886. The Salesians arrived in India in 1906, and the Kolkata province, the first in the country, was established in 1926 after taking charge of the Catholic Orphan Press and Cathedral parish.

The centenary celebrations began on May 27, 2023, with a jubilee Mass at the Marian Shrine in Bandel presided over by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta. Outgoing provincial Father Joseph Pauria noted that the rector major’s presence inspired renewed enthusiasm for youth ministry. New provincial Father Sunil Karketta highlighted the importance of technical education in empowering young people.

A newly constructed school was inaugurated on February 7 at the Catholic resettlement centre for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at V. Munpi in Manipur, bringing renewed hope to families rebuilding their lives after recent ethnic violence.

The school was made possible through the contribution of the social service department of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamly. The building was blessed by Fr. Varghese Vellickakam, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Imphal. Fr. Joseph Koluthuvellil, executive director and secretary of Welfare Services Ernakulam attended the inauguration.

Though modest in structure, the facility represents a significant step forward for the displaced community. The resettlement centre includes 76 houses constructed with the support of the Archdiocese of Imphal and Catholic donors. Fr. Mung, parish priest of St. Thomas Parish, Singngat, religious sisters, and members of the resettled families were also present.

During a felicitation programme, Fr. Mung highlighted the challenges faced by families adjusting to a new environment, noting that many lack prior experience in farming or business. He emphasised education as essential for rebuilding lives with dignity and stability.

Fr. Varghese underscored the importance of gratitude and self-reliance, recalling the project’s beginnings and acknowledging divine providence. Fr. Joseph expressed joy at supporting the people of Manipur, describing the school as an investment in the children’s future and assuring continued assistance, including educational opportunities in Kerala. The new school stands as a symbol of solidarity, resilience and hope for the displaced community.