At a time when incidents of hostility toward Christmas carol groups have been reported from several parts of North India, Kerala has offered a contrasting picture marked by interfaith warmth and everyday coexistence. Across the state, Christian carol groups moving through neighbourhoods were received with openness and goodwill by Hindu and Muslim families, reflecting a social culture rooted in shared living rather than religious suspicion.

In many localities, Hindu households welcomed carol singers, listening attentively and offering tea, sweets, or traditional payasam. In some instances, Hindu devotees singing bhajans in praise of Lord Ayyappa paused their prayers and spontaneously joined in Christmas carols, treating the songs as part of the festive season’s shared joy rather than a religious intrusion.

Muslim neighbourhoods also witnessed similar gestures of harmony. Carol groups stopping outside Muslim homes were greeted with smiles and encouragement, with residents stepping out to listen or record the moment. Several families offered refreshments and exchanged Christmas greetings, echoing the mutual respect traditionally shown during festivals such as Eid. These interactions appeared natural and unforced, shaped by long-standing familiarity among communities.

In parts of northern Kerala, carol groups were welcomed near temples and by groups of Hindu devotees. The exchange of sweets and greetings turned religious expressions into neighbourhood celebrations, highlighting a spirit of inclusiveness. Set against rising communal tensions elsewhere, these scenes from Kerala challenge narratives that portray religious celebrations as sources of conflict. Instead, they underline a social reality where faith does not lead to exclusion and celebration does not require division. Through simple, everyday interactions, Kerala’s streets offered a quiet reminder that communal harmony can remain strong when it is lived naturally.

          Around 15 to 20 Bajrang Dal members gathered outside the gate of St. Alphonsus Cathedral on December 24 following objections raised over a Christmas programme held on the cathedral campus. The group remained outside the premises, raised slogans and recited religious verses outside the church gate. Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly said the incident stemmed from a programme held on the campus that addressed contemporary social causes. According to him, the programme—organised by a school—highlighted social issues and values.

However, he said certain individuals made assumptions that the presentation was intended to belittle Hindus, an allegation he said was not supported by facts. The Bishop said a complaint was subsequently taken to the police station seeking the registration of an FIR against the school management. He stated that police officials asked for factual evidence to support the allegations, but as no such material was produced, no FIR was registered. He added that the police acted in a cooperative manner throughout and informed the Church in advance about a proposed protest, while also deploying personnel to ensure safety.

Fr. John Stany D’Silva, Parish Priest of. St. Alphonsus Cathedral, said the group arrived in the evening and stayed for about 20 minutes. He said slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Vande Bharat” were raised, following which the Hanuman Chalisa was recited, and the group dispersed without interacting with anyone. He further said that Christmas celebrations at the cathedral continued the following day, with over one lakh people visiting the cathedral, and the celebrations proceeded without any incident.

Latin Catholic Day was observed with enthusiasm across parishes of the Latin Church in Kerala, as the community united under the leadership of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) to reaffirm their shared identity and solidarity. The coordinated observance featured parish-level programmes, public gatherings, and community reflections highlighting the contributions and aspirations of Latin Catholics in the state. The central celebration took place at the Varapuzha Archdiocesan Bishop’s House, where Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil inaugurated the day by hoisting the KRLCC flag. Across the state, parishes marked the occasion with prayers, cultural programmes, and gatherings that celebrated the community’s heritage and collective strength. Latin Catholic Day served as a moment for renewed commitment to social justice, equal opportunities, and community welfare, while reinforcing the message that unity remains essential for addressing contemporary challenges.

Salesian College Sonada alumnus Fr N.T. Scaria Nedumattathil  has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Prison Reforms with Compassion at the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards, held on International Human Rights Day at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The event was organised by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice. The Global Jury celebrated Fr Scaria’s three decades of transformative service among prisoners across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. His mission began in 1995 with a simple visit to the Berhampore Central Correctional Home, which ignited a lifelong ministry rooted in dignity and hope. Over the years, he established vocational training, legal aid, counselling, family support, and notably, the world’s first certified motor driving school inside a prison, enabling life convicts to earn licences and secure employment.

Under his leadership, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry evolved into a powerful movement of rehabilitation and reintegration, touching thousands of inmates and their families. Music, sports, theatre, and cultural programmes further helped inmates rediscover confidence and camaraderie. Fr Scaria has previously been recognised by the National Legal Services Authority (2006) and received the Pascual Chávez Award (2012) for innovative pastoral leadership. A documentary titled Joy Behind Bars (2022) captured his impact and shifted public attitudes toward prisoners. Now in his eighties, Fr Scaria attributes the recognition to collective effort, saying, “This is God’s work, carried out by many hands.” Calling prison ministry essential to the Salesian mission, he continues to inspire clergy, volunteers, and reformers to embrace justice with compassion.

Christians from various denominations came together in Udalguri for a day marked by service, fellowship, and Christmas cheer. The gathering showcased unity among believers from across the district, cutting across linguistic and cultural lines.

The day began with a town wide cleanliness drive, where volunteers swept streets, cleared litter, and prepared public spaces for the upcoming festive season. Participants then decorated key areas of the town with stars and Christmas ornaments, symbolizing hope and joy.

Organized by the Udalguri District Christian Co-Ordination Committee in collaboration with the Assam Christian Forum, the program aimed to strengthen harmony among local Christian communities. Organizers described the event as a meaningful step toward building unity during the Christmas season.

A special prayer service at the Udalguri Nalbari Playground set the spiritual tone for the day. With hands lifted in prayer, believers thanked God for blessings, sought peace for the region, and shared testimonies of hope.

The highlight of the event was a colourful Carols Rally. Hundreds marched through the town singing Christmas hymns, accompanied by drums, guitars, and vibrant banners carrying messages of love and light. Christians speaking Assamese, Bodo, Santali, Garo, Nepali, Rabha, Munda, and other languages walked together as one community. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” a participant said, echoing Psalm 133:1 as the rally concluded in an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

A Catholic priest from Pune has won a gold medal at an international powerlifting tournament, fulfilling a personal dream that blends faith, fitness, and youth outreach.

Father Denis Dominic Joseph, assistant parish priest of St Ignatius Church in Khadki, secured the top position at the powerlifting competition held November 14–17 at the Bhutan Olympic Stadium in Thimphu. Standing on the podium in his cassock with the medal placed over it, he described the moment as one filled with God’s grace and the support of the Church.

The 45-year-old priest, who also serves as principal of St Joseph Boys High School, began powerlifting just two and a half years ago, inspired by a desire to evangelize young people through sports, health, and discipline. He said his faith remained central throughout the competition, noting that the rosary he wore gave him strength and confidence.

Father Denis dedicated his victory to the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” calling it a time that renewed his spirit and strengthened his mission. He said the jubilee inspired him to wear medals on his cassock as a sign that priesthood and athletic discipline can stand together.

Previously, he had won medals at the WRPF National Powerlifting Championship held in Pune. In Bhutan, he competed without a personal coach, remarking that he relied completely on prayer and the protection of Mother Mary. Father Denis expressed gratitude to his family, friends, parish community, and all who supported his journey, saying their prayers and encouragement continue to motivate him.

In a strongly worded order, the Allahabad High Court has ruled that distributing the Bible or preaching Christianity does not, by itself, amount to an offence under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The Bench of Justice Abdul Moin and Justice Babita Rani criticised the Uttar Pradesh Police for “bending backward” to arrest the accused immediately after the FIR, despite the absence of any victim alleging forced conversion.

The case arose from an FIR filed by Manoj Kumar Singh, who claimed that the accused had organised a prayer meeting intending to convert Dalits and economically weaker individuals. He alleged that he saw an LED screen displaying Christian teachings and that Bibles were being distributed. While hearing the plea to quash the FIR, the Court examined Section 3 of the 2021 Act, which requires a specific person to claim that attempts were made to convert them through force, allurement or misrepresentation. The Bench noted that when the FIR was lodged on August 17, 2025, no such victim had appeared, and the FIR merely mentioned the recovery of an LED screen and Bibles.

The Court further pointed out inconsistencies in statements, including one alleged victim who initially said nothing about conversion but later changed his version two months after the FIR. Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Rajendra Bihari Lal vs State of UP, the Bench stressed that the 2021 Act is a “special law” and its procedures must be followed strictly. The Court also questioned the complainant’s authority to enter the accused’s house and issued him a notice seeking clarification.

Msgr. Antony Kattiparampil was ordained as the 36th Bishop of the diocese of Cochin in Kerala on December 7, 2025. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), was the principle consecrator. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Verapoly and Bishop Joseph Kariyil, the Bishop Emeritus of Cochin, were co-consecrators. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and Metropolitan Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI and Archbishop Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council, conveyed their greetings. Mar Joseph Pamplany, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thalassery and Vicar of the Major Archbishop for Ernakulam–Angamaly, delivered the homily. Bishop James Raphael Anaparambil, Apostolic Administrator of Cochin, welcomed the gathering.

During the Holy Mass, the Bishop-elect publicly declared his willingness to accept the episcopal office. This was followed by the Litany of the Saints and the laying on of hands. The principal celebrant then vested the new Bishop with the ring and mitre. He handed over the pastoral staff and seated him on the Cathedra, the chair of authority. The concelebrant bishops then gave the kiss of peace, and representatives of clergy, religious, and laity greeted the new Bishop. The Eucharistic celebration was continued by the newly ordained Bishop. Thousands gathered at the Santacruz Ground to receive their shepherd after a wait of one and a half years. Bishop Antony Kattiparampil becomes the fifth indigenous Bishop since the Diocese was established in 1557.

The MSJ Congregation has announced the death of Mother Philomy, who, according to Sr. Merina, Assistant General of the Congregation, was “called by God to her eternal reward.” In a message shared with members, Sr. Merina expressed the community’s profound grief, stating, “With deep sorrow and grief we share that our beloved Mother Philomy was called by God to her eternal reward. Kindly remember her in your prayers and pray for the repose of her soul.” The congregation and its wider community have extended their prayerful condolences to all MSJ members as they come to terms with this loss. Many have joined in praying for the repose of Mother Philomy’s soul, commending her to the peace of the risen Lord.

Thousands gathered at the Pilar hillock in Goa on November 20 to commemorate the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza, the saintly priest of the Society of Pilar. The day, revered as Venerable Agnelo’s Day, drew pilgrims from across Goa and beyond. Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes of Bombay presided over the feast day Mass. He was assisted among others by Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias of Port Blair and Pilar superior general Father Nazareth Fernandes.

Bishop Fernandes, in his homily, expressed joy at the commemoration of the saintly priest, saying that the Church rejoiced because God had blessed Goa with “a priest of extraordinary holiness from its own soil.” He explained that the celebration was not only about remembering Venerable Agnelo but about taking him as a model: “We take him as our model so that we too may live with the same steadfast hope that shaped his entire life.”