The Basilica of the Holy Rosary, popularly known as Bandel Church in West Bengal, continues to attract thousands of pilgrims from different faiths, standing as a powerful symbol of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in India.

Built in 1599 by Portuguese missionaries on the banks of the Hooghly River, Bandel Church is one of the oldest churches in India. Despite surviving wars, destruction and natural disasters, the basilica has remained a place of prayer and hope for generations. In 1988, Pope John Paul II granted it the status of a Minor Basilica.

While the church is an important Marian shrine for Catholics, it is also visited by many Hindus and Muslims who come to pray for healing, protection and blessings. Many devotees see the Blessed Virgin Mary as a loving mother who welcomes everyone, regardless of religion.

The church is especially known for its devotion to Our Lady of Happy Voyage, with pilgrims offering prayers for safe journeys, good health and family well-being. During feast days, thousands visit the shrine, many returning to give thanks for answered prayers.

The parish also serves society through education, healthcare and charitable work. Religious sisters and Church workers assist families from all communities by visiting the sick, supporting the poor, promoting education and empowering women.

Church leaders say Bandel Basilica reflects the belief that God’s love reaches all people. In a time when religious divisions often make headlines, the centuries-old shrine continues to bring together people of different faiths through prayer, compassion and mutual respect. More than a historic monument, Bandel Basilica remains a living witness to unity, hope and harmony, welcoming every pilgrim who seeks peace and God’s blessings.

Pious Joseph Theruvathu from Kerala has become the first Malayali to be appointed as a lay theologian in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, marking an important milestone for the Indian Catholic community in Germany.

His installation will take place on July 11 at St. Jodokus Church in Karlsruhe during a Holy Mass to be led by Auxiliary Bishop Peter Birkhofer. This year, the Archdiocese of Freiburg is appointing nine lay theologians, and Theruvathu is the only non-German among them.

Originally from St. Joseph’s Parish, Padappakkara, in the Diocese of Kollam, Theruvathu moved to Germany with his family from Italy in 2012. Since then, he has served in several parishes and has been recognised for his pastoral work, theological education and dedication to Church ministry.

Theruvathu studied philosophy at the University of Kerala, earned a master’s degree in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and later completed a diploma in Religious Studies at the University of Würzburg in Germany. He is fluent in English, Italian and German, enabling him to serve multicultural Catholic communities.

His family has a strong tradition of serving the Church. His brother is a Carmelite priest, and three of his sisters are religious sisters. His wife, Sabi Crystal, works as a nurse in Germany, and they have three children.

Lay theologians play a vital role in Germany, helping with parish leadership, faith formation, pastoral care, counselling and funeral services. Theruvathu has chosen the motto, “Received in love – go forward with courage,” inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9. Malayali Catholics in Germany have welcomed his appointment as a proud achievement and a sign of the growing contribution of Indian lay faithful to the Church’s mission in Europe.

A group of Catholic nuns in India has helped more than 1,000 orphaned and abandoned children find loving families through legal adoption, bringing hope to children who once had no home. The sisters have been working for many years to care for vulnerable children and guide them through the adoption process.

The nuns run child care centres where children receive food, education, medical care, and emotional support until they are placed with adoptive families. They work closely with government authorities to ensure every adoption follows India’s legal procedures and protects the rights of each child.

The sisters said their mission is not only to provide shelter but also to give every child the opportunity to grow up in a loving and caring family. They believe every child deserves security, dignity, and the chance to build a bright future.

Many of the children placed through the centres were abandoned at birth or lost their parents because of illness, poverty, or other difficult circumstances. The adoption programme has helped them begin a new life with families ready to love and care for them.

The sisters also encourage more couples to consider adoption, reminding society that thousands of children are still waiting for permanent homes. They said adoption is an act of love that changes the lives of both children and parents.

Church leaders praised the sisters for their dedication and compassionate service. They said the ministry reflects the Church’s commitment to protecting children and defending their dignity. The successful placement of more than 1,000 children stands as a powerful witness to hope, compassion, and the life-changing gift of family.

A Catholic organization has strongly condemned threats made against an Indian judge following a recent court order, calling for respect for the judiciary and protection of judges from intimidation.

The statement was issued by the United Christian Forum (UCF), an ecumenical body representing several Christian groups in India. The organization expressed concern over social media attacks and threatening remarks directed at the judge after the court’s decision became public.

UCF said that differences with a judicial ruling should be addressed through legal processes and not through personal attacks or threats. It warned that attempts to intimidate judges could weaken public confidence in the justice system and harm the rule of law.

Christian leaders urged political parties, civil society groups, and citizens to uphold democratic values and maintain dignity in public debate. They emphasized that an independent judiciary is essential for protecting constitutional rights and ensuring justice for all communities.

The forum also appealed to authorities to investigate any credible threats and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of judicial officers. It said judges must be able to perform their duties without fear or pressure.

Legal experts noted that criticism of court judgments is allowed in a democracy, but threats or incitement against judges cross an important line. They stressed that disagreements should be pursued through appeals, reviews, and other lawful mechanisms.

UCF concluded by urging all sections of society to reject hatred and intimidation and to support institutions that safeguard justice and constitutional order in the country. The organization said protecting the independence and dignity of the judiciary is vital for the health of Indian democracy and for the rights of every citizen.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has urged the Central Government to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the changes could negatively affect charitable and humanitarian organisations across the country.

In a memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the bishops said the Catholic Church has served India for centuries through schools, hospitals, social service institutions, disaster relief, rural development, and tribal welfare programmes without discrimination. While supporting transparency and accountability, the CBCI said the proposed amendments could weaken the work of organisations serving poor and vulnerable communities.

The bishops requested that the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill and Rules be withdrawn. They also suggested that any future changes should include constitutional safeguards, fair legal procedures, and protection for charitable institutions. The memorandum also recommended removing the term “proselytization” from the proposed Rules and ensuring that only trustees and governing body members are treated as key functionaries under the law.

The CBCI also raised concerns about religious freedom, saying anti-conversion laws in some states have increased fear and hostility toward Christians. It urged the government to help ensure an early hearing of cases related to these laws and the constitutional status of Dalit Christians before the Supreme Court.

The bishops also expressed deep concern over the continuing violence in Manipur, describing it as a serious humanitarian crisis. They said thousands of families remain displaced, education has been disrupted, and many people continue to suffer emotionally and financially. The CBCI appealed to the Government to restore peace in Manipur and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to national unity, communal harmony, humanitarian service, and the constitutional values of India.

St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), a Jesuit-managed institution in Mangaluru, has been granted Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC), marking a major achievement in its 146-year history.

The recognition was awarded on June 20 and places the university among India’s top-performing higher education institutions. Vice Chancellor Fr. Praveen Martis said the honour reflects the university’s long tradition of academic excellence, research, innovation, and service to society.

Category-I is the highest level of autonomy granted by the UGC to universities with strong academic performance, high accreditation standards, and excellent institutional rankings. The recognition also comes at a time when competition among higher education institutions in India is increasing.

St Aloysius is only the second deemed-to-be university in Karnataka to receive this status under the UGC’s graded autonomy framework, introduced in 2018. Across India, there are 1,292 universities, including 157 deemed universities. Only 26 deemed universities have earned Category-I status, making this recognition highly prestigious.

Founded by the Jesuits in 1880, St Aloysius has built a strong reputation through quality teaching, active research, dedicated faculty, and a wide network of alumni across the world.

The new status gives the university greater academic and administrative freedom. It can establish off-campus centres within its jurisdiction, set up research parks, innovation hubs, and incubation centres without prior approval. The recognition also strengthens opportunities for international collaborations, joint research projects, dual-degree programmes, and attracting students from abroad.

University leaders believe this milestone will open new opportunities for academic growth and further strengthen St Aloysius University’s contribution to higher education in India.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has called on Catholic churches across India to observe June 28, 2026, as a National Day of Prayer in response to the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill.

The bill is expected to be discussed during Parliament’s Monsoon Session, and Church leaders have expressed concern that it could affect the charitable, educational, healthcare, and social service activities carried out by Christian institutions across the country.

In a circular dated June 17, Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the CBCI, said that the Church in India has always served society, especially the poor and marginalized, inspired by the Gospel values of love, justice, and compassion.

The CBCI has requested all parishes to include special prayers during Holy Mass and organize Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, prayer services, and voluntary fasting on June 28. It has also encouraged ecumenical prayer gatherings with members of other Christian denominations.

The circular further asked dioceses, parishes, and Church institutions to prepare memoranda signed by the faithful and other people of goodwill. These memoranda should express concerns about the possible impact of the proposed legislation and may be submitted to the Central Government through local Members of Parliament.

Quoting Philippians 4:6, Cardinal Poola reminded the faithful not to be anxious but to present their concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving. He described prayer as a peaceful and democratic way of expressing concern.

The CBCI also requested that the circular be translated into regional languages and read in all churches on June 21 to encourage the participation of the faithful in the nationwide observance.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Anand David Xalxo as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Ranchi. The appointment marks an important milestone in the life and ministry of the 51-year-old priest, who has served the archdiocese in several key roles.

Bishop-elect Anand David Xalxo is currently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ranchi and the parish priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Born on November 20, 1975, in Mandar, near Ranchi, he completed his early education in his hometown. He began his priestly formation at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary in Kolkata and later continued his studies at St. Albert’s College and St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He completed his theological studies at St. Albert’s College and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Ranchi on May 15, 2006.

After his ordination, Fr. Xalxo served as the private secretary to Cardinal Telesphore Toppo. He later pursued postgraduate studies in hospital administration in Mangaluru.

During his priestly ministry, he held several important positions, including Associate Director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Society for Medical Education in North India and Secretary to the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in New Delhi. He also served as Public Relations Officer, administrator of the Archbishop’s House, and director of various pastoral and social ministries in Ranchi. Since 2024, he has been serving as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese. His appointment as Auxiliary Bishop is expected to strengthen the pastoral mission of the Archdiocese of Ranchi.

India has launched Operation Amistad, a major humanitarian mission to assist Venezuela after powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

As part of the mission, the Indian Air Force deployed two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carrying emergency relief supplies, medical equipment, and a team of healthcare professionals. The aircraft travelled nearly 14,000 kilometres to deliver aid to the earthquake-affected country.

India has sent more than 35 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including medicines, medical equipment, and other essential supplies needed for emergency relief operations. The mission also includes a 41-member Indian Army medical team trained to provide healthcare during disasters. The team will support local hospitals and treat people injured in the earthquake.

A key part of the mission is the deployment of two BHISHM Cubes, portable field hospital units that can be quickly set up in disaster-hit areas. These advanced medical units can together treat up to 200 patients and provide emergency healthcare where hospitals have been damaged or are overcrowded.

Operation Amistad highlights India’s growing role in international humanitarian assistance. Over the years, India has responded to several global emergencies by sending relief materials, rescue teams, and medical support to countries affected by natural disasters.

The name “Amistad,” which means “friendship,” reflects the spirit of solidarity behind the mission. By sending medical teams, relief supplies, and advanced healthcare facilities, India has extended a helping hand to Venezuela during a difficult time.

The mission demonstrates India’s commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian service, bringing hope and support to people working to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) released the Indian edition of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi on June 10, 2026.

The first copy was formally handed over by Msgr. Andrea Francia, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in India, to Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, during a brief ceremony at the Nunciature. Ms Caroline Bussutti and Sr. Reema Martin O.SS.S. were also present.

Issued by Pope Leo XIV on May 25, 2026, Magnifica Humanitas reflects on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and its impact on human life. The encyclical discusses how rapid technological development affects human dignity, work, solidarity, ethics, and the common good.

Drawing on the Church’s social teaching tradition, the document builds on earlier encyclicals such as Rerum Novarum, Centesimus Annus, and Laudato Si’. It calls for a human-centred approach to technology, insisting that innovation should serve people, protect dignity, and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

The CCBI said the Indian edition has been published to make the Pope’s teaching on artificial intelligence more accessible to the faithful, educators, policymakers, and others involved in shaping technology and society.

The release comes at a time when questions about AI ethics, employment, privacy, and human responsibility are becoming increasingly important across the world.