The Karnataka Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS has given the Jeevotsava (Festival of Life) Award to the Claretian-run Support Care Centre in Bengaluru for its 20 years of dedicated service to people living with HIV/AIDS. The award recognizes the centre’s commitment to care, treatment, and rehabilitation of destitute and marginalized persons.

Claretian Father Tomy Urumbumkuzhiyil, director of the Support Care Centre, received the award on January 21 from Gangu Bai Mankar, secretary of the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare. The award was presented during the state HIV Conclave, which brought together more than 50,000 youth living with HIV, along with policymakers, NGOs, and Church representatives.

Speaking after receiving the award, Father Urumbumkuzhiyil said the centre has been serving people living with HIV/AIDS through both institutional and community-based care for two decades and expressed happiness and gratitude for the recognition.

The All-India Bible Conference 2026, focusing on innovative and contextual approaches to proclaiming the Word of God in India, concluded on January 22 at Jnan Deepa, Pune. The three-day national gathering was held from January 20 to 22 and brought together 232 delegates from across the country. The participants reflected the wide involvement of the Indian Church in biblical ministry. The conference was centred on the theme “Innovative Pathways in Proclaiming the Word of God in India.” The programme featured scholarly paper presentations, panel discussions, and faith-sharing sessions that encouraged meaningful dialogue between Scripture experts, pastoral leaders, and lay participants. Regional group discussions were also organised, helping participants reflect on practical ways to strengthen biblical ministry in different local and cultural contexts across India. During the inaugural session, renowned biblical scholar and missionary Fr. Lucien Legrand, MEP, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 70 years of dedicated service to the biblical apostolate in India.

Authorities in Mumbai have removed an illegal structure that came up near the pathway leading to the historic Mount Mary Church in the Bandra area, following strong objections from Catholic groups and local residents.

The unauthorized construction, including an embankment wall and aligned structures, appeared near the church steps in mid-January. The area is clearly marked as an open public space and falls within a protected heritage zone. The Mount Mary Church is an important part of Mumbai’s religious and cultural history, and any construction in its surroundings requires special permission.

Members of Catholic organizations raised concerns that the construction violated heritage and town planning rules. They warned that allowing such activities could damage public trust in governance and threaten the protection of historic sites. Complaints were submitted to both municipal and police authorities, demanding immediate action and legal steps against those responsible.

The construction reportedly began soon after the local municipal election results were announced on January 16. Community leaders expressed concern over the timing and called for transparency and fairness in civic administration.

Following the complaints, civic authorities ordered the contractor to stop work, remove the embankment, and clear all construction materials from the site. Local representatives assured residents that there would be no further encroachment on the pathway leading to the church.

Church officials expressed gratitude to vigilant community groups for their timely intervention. Municipal authorities later clarified that the work was initially planned to provide access for a nearby settlement, but it was halted once it was confirmed that the land belonged to the church.

Mount Mary Church, located on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, houses a revered 16th-century statue of the Virgin Mary and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, including people from other faiths.

Thousands of people gathered at St. Raphael’s Church, Thykudam, on January 21, 2026, to observe the fourth death anniversary of Ajna George Muttungal, a young assistant professor and a dedicated member of the Jesus Youth Kerala Music Ministry. Ajna passed away at the age of 27, but her life of faith and service continues to inspire many. Born on April 2, 1994, Ajna was known for her deep love for God, simple lifestyle, and humble nature. The memorial Holy Mass saw an unexpectedly large turnout, with the church filled beyond capacity. Many people stood outside the church as there was no space left inside. Volunteers said it was one of the biggest memorial gatherings they had witnessed in recent years. The remembrance programme included exhibitions prepared by young people, personal sharing, and a short theatrical presentation that reflected Ajna’s life and values. Many participants said the atmosphere was deeply prayerful and emotional, and they felt spiritually strengthened during the event. Ajna is especially remembered for her strong devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic and while undergoing treatment for osteosarcoma, she never missed attending Holy Mass. Though she was talented in music, she chose to serve quietly, praying for others and supporting ministries from behind the scenes. Even four years after her passing, many continue to seek Ajna’s prayers, remembering her as a young woman who lived her faith through humility, silent service, and personal care for others. The large gathering in Kochi stood as a powerful sign of the lasting impact of her life.

The third global convention on autism concluded in Bengaluru on January 25 with a strong call to improve facilities and services for people with autism, as their numbers continue to rise worldwide. Experts noted that about one in every 100 people globally is on the autism spectrum and needs professional support along with understanding and empathy from society.

The weeklong convention was hosted by St. John’s Medical College, which is owned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. During the event, the college announced plans to set up a special wing on its campus dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of people with autism.

Around 1,000 delegates from different countries took part in the scientific conference. About 155 speakers presented research papers and shared insights on caring for people with autism at home and in the community. Parents, caregivers, and social workers also spoke about their experiences and efforts to improve the quality of life of autistic persons.

One inspiring speaker was Alina Alam, who founded “Mitti Café” at the age of 22 to create jobs for people with autism and other disabilities. The café chain now has more than 50 outlets, including in major public institutions, and has created over 6,500 livelihoods while serving millions of meals.

Indigenous women in Manipur, a troubled state in northeast India, have demanded justice for women victims of sexual violence and ethnic killings, most of whom belong to tribal Christian communities. The protests were held on January 21 and 22 in the district headquarters of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.

The women, mainly from the Kuki-Zo indigenous communities, submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through local authorities. They demanded immediate justice for women who were killed or sexually abused during the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.

According to the memorandum, at least 29 indigenous women were killed during the violence. The victims included young girls, elderly women, and even a woman with mental disability. The protestors alleged that the women suffered extreme forms of violence such as rape, gang rape, lynching, hacking to death, burning alive, abduction, and neglect while in custody.

The protest gained renewed strength after the death of a 20-year-old gang rape survivor on January 10 this year. She was abducted and assaulted in May 2023 and later abandoned. Her death without justice deeply affected the community and pushed women to speak out.

Protestors carried placards demanding arrests of the perpetrators and an end to government inaction. They questioned why justice had not been delivered even after cases were registered and investigations handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Manipur has witnessed severe ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo tribal people and the Meitei community since May 3, 2023. Around 260 people were killed, over 60,000 displaced, and thousands of homes and churches destroyed.

Although the state is now under federal rule, peace has not fully returned. Indigenous leaders say justice and lasting peace will remain difficult without a clear political solution that ensures safety and dignity for tribal communities.

The newly constituted pastoral council of the Major Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly has taken shape following elections held on January 24 at the Renewal Centre, Kaloor reflecting active participation of clergy and laity in the pastoral life of the Church.

Shaiju Antony was elected secretary of the pastoral council, with Jaini Samraj serving as joint secretary. Along with them, Riju Kanjookaran, Nimmy Antony, and Father Sunny Kalapurackal were chosen as members of the pastoral council’s executive committee. Boby John Malayil was elected to lead the Kerala Catholic Council, strengthening coordination between the archdiocese and wider Catholic bodies.

The elections were conducted in the presence of Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly and Mar Joseph Pamplany, Vicar of the Major Archbishop for the Archdiocese highlighting the importance of the process. The archdiocesan chancellor, Father Antony Vazhakkala, and vice chancellor, Father Paul Meledath, served as returning officers, ensuring the smooth and transparent conduct of the elections.

Speaking after the results, Riju Kanjookaran noted that around 170 representatives from various forane churches and parishes participated in the voting. The newly elected pastoral council will guide pastoral planning and decision-making in the archdiocese for the next three years. Church members have expressed hope that the council will foster unity, dialogue, and renewed commitment to the spiritual and pastoral mission of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly.

Prof. Dr. Fr. Jacob Parappally, MSFS, received a 2025 Honorable Mention from the Catholic Media Association (CMA) in the USA for his book, Christ Without Borders, published by Orbis Books (Maryknoll, New York). The book was featured in a discussion by the Canadian Theological Association in June 2025, which included presentations by four professors of theology. 

Fr. Parappally is a prominent Indian theologian specializing in Christology, as well as a dedicated teacher, research guide, and author. He holds a doctorate in Theology from the University of Freiburg, Germany. Over his distinguished career, he has published 12 books and over 250 theological articles. The Indian Church is deeply grateful to him for bringing Indian theology to a wider global audience. 

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.