From The States

Squeals, barks fill Mumbai church as priest blessed pets

Father Joe D’Souza walked bet-ween the pews, petting a Labrador, speaking gently to a Spaniel, stroking a Pomeranian. Squeals and barks rent the Sunday morning calm of Church of Our Lady of Health in Cavel, Mumbai, on Oct. 9. Children from neighborhood too were delighted, as they watched proud pet-parents bringing their pets for blessings.

Asian bishops stress diversity, evangelization at jubilee meeting

Catholic bishops in Asia began a two-week general conference in Bangkok on Oct 12 marking the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences’ 50th anniversary, with leaders calling for renewed evangelization in the multi-religious region. “As the third millennium marches along, history beckons and the Spirit moves: together we say: Onward Asian Church! This is the moment for […]

FABC gathering urged to adopt South American model

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) must restructure itself to make the Church “relevant and responsive” to the people of Asia, a top-ranking cardinal said. Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, a member of Pope Francis’ kitchen cabinet, stressed there was a great need to restructure the Asian bishops’ federation and model it on CELAM, […]

Arunachal’s Miao diocese gets first priest from Ollo tribe

Miao diocese in Arunachal Pradesh has ordained its first priest of indigenous origin. Salesian Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao on October 11 ordained Father Vincent Rangwang, belonging to the Ollo tribe, at his home parish at Lazu in Tirap district Auxiliary Bishop Dennis of Miao was present along with a large gathering of priests, wo-men […]

International consultation to seek Christian response to healing ministry

An international consultation began on October 10 in Thailand’s Chiang Mai city to seek a Christian response to health and healing ministry in Asia. Around 60 people, including medical professionals, pastoral care providers, and leaders of Churches, ecumenical councils, and health-related organizations as well as institutions from across Asia, are attending the October 10-12 consultation […]

Renowned social activist launches hunger strike for endosulfan victims

Daya Bai, a renowned social activist, launched an indefinite satyagraha to demand justice for the victims of endo-sulfan pesticide on October 2, the International Day of Non Violence and the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The use of endosulfan pesticide has killed hundreds of people and maimed and deva-stated the lives of thousands living in […]

Indian Christian Women Movement to admit transpersons as members

The Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM), an ecumenical forum, has resolved to admit trans persons and LGBT+ persons as members and engage with social and Church issues with “the lens of feminism, liberation and gospel values.” The resolution emerged at the third ICWM convention held September 29-October 2 at the United Theological College in Bengaluru, […]

Karnataka schools to teach Bhagavad Gita from December

The Karnataka government has announced that it would include teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as part of moral education in schools from December this year. B.C. Nagesh, the state’s primary and secondary education minister, said the government has amended its earlier proposal to introduce Gita as a separate subject in schools and decided to teach […]

Eviction-facing Indian Catholics to fight Muslim charity’s claims

Goans oppose tourism project near 16th century basilica