The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has condemned what it described as a “shameful act of racial abuse and harassment” against women from Northeast India in the national capital, calling such incidents a blot on the country’s cultural heritage.

In a statement issued on February 26, the bishops’ conference said repeated instances of racial discrimination in different parts of the country are unacceptable and urged authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of citizens from the Northeast.

The condemnation follows the arrest of a woman by Delhi Police in connection with alleged racial abuse and criminal intimidation of three women tenants from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. The tenants had reportedly been supervising electrical work in their rented flat when dust from drilling led to a dispute with neighbours. In their complaint, the women alleged verbal abuse, racial slurs, derogatory remarks, and threats.

The bishops appreciated the prompt police action and appealed to the Union and state governments to sensitize the public about the diverse cultures and traditions of Northeast India.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met the victims and assured strict action. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other northeastern leaders also demanded exemplary measures. The statement reiterated that every citizen has the right to live with dignity and called for unity and respect for diversity across the nation.

Students of a Catholic college in Kerala have named a newly discovered plant species after their former principal, Carmelite Father Joseph Paikada.

“Naming this plant after Father Paikada is a tribute to a teacher and principal who inspired students to study and love the natural world. The students themselves suggested the name, showing their deep respect and affection for him,” Carmelite Father Biju Joseph Chakkalayil, the current principal of Devagiri College in Kozhikode.

Tetrataenium paikadaeThe plant was discovered in the high-altitude grasslands of Idukki’s Iravikulam National Park by research students C. Rekha, M. K. Prashant, and T. P. Ashwindas under the guidance of their teacher K M Manudev.

The species has been named Tetrataenium paikadae. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots and celery.

The research finding has been published in the internationally recognized Nordic Journal of Botany. Supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, the study highlights the rich biodiversity of Kerala’s Western Ghats and the importance of conservation.

Father Chakkalayil said Paikada is remembered for his humility, guidance, and his love for students. The naming of the species ensures that his legacy continues to bloom in the highlands he inspired students to explore and cherish, he added.

Father Paikada died December 20, 2019, aged 83. He served as the principal and manager of Devagiri College for almost three decades. He played a key role in the institution’s development, acting as a teacher, warden, and spiritual guide.

He was also the chairman of the Consortium of the Autonomous Colleges of Keralam.

He founded Christ College in Poonch, a historic, strategic town and district in Jammu and Kashmir, in 1990.

Caritas India launched its Lenten Campaign 2026 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, reaffirming its commitment to combat inequality, promote inclusion, and address growing ecological distress.

The launch event witnessed the distribution of motorized wheelchairs to five persons with restricted mobility, supported by banks under their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Among the beneficiaries was a 32-year-old daily wage worker from East Delhi, paralyzed from the waist down, who described the wheelchair as a life-changing gift restoring his independence and dignity. He said the mobility support would now enable him to seek work opportunities and better provide for his family.

Caritas India Executive Director Father R. Jesudass said the distribution marked the culmination of last year’s Lenten campaign, Chetana (Awareness), which focused on supporting persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. He thanked donors and partners for their solidarity, calling it a visible expression of the Church’s commitment to dignity and justice.

The 2026 campaign poster was unveiled by Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto. This year’s theme addresses fractured relationships, deepening inequality, and escalating ecological challenges. The campaign encourages parishes to organize peace circles, families to practice weekly acts of solidarity, and institutions to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Administrators noted that last year’s outreach impacted over 10,500 people nationwide, with continued advocacy and expanded initiatives planned for the year ahead.

Cardinal Poola Anthony was born on November 15, 1961, in Poluru in the Diocese of Kurnool. After completing his formation at the minor seminary in Nuzvid, he pursued priestly studies at Saint Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. He was ordained a priest on February 20, 1992, and incardinated into the Diocese of Cuddapah.

In the initial years of his priestly ministry, he served as parish vicar at Saint Mary’s Cathedral (1992–1993) and Amagampalli (1993–1994), followed by pastoral service as parish priest in Tekurpet (1994–1995), Badvel (1995–2000), and Veerapalli (2000–2001). From 2001 to 2003, he pursued higher studies in the United States, earning a master’s degree in pastoral care and attending a theology course at Loyola University, Chicago, while offering pastoral ministry at Saint Genevieve Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

From 2004 to 2008, Cardinal Poola Anthony served as Director of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. He also held several key responsibilities in the Diocese of Cuddapah, including diocesan consultor, Secretary for Education, Deputy Administrator of diocesan schools, and coordinator of the Sponsorship Program.

He was appointed Bishop of Kurnool on February 8, 2008, and was consecrated on April 19, 2008. On November 19, 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad. He was created and proclaimed cardinal by Pope Francis during the Consistory held on August 27, 2022, and was assigned the titular church of Ss. Protomartiri a Via Aurelia Antica.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) elected its new office bearers for a two-year term during the 37th General Body Meeting held in Bengaluru on February 7.

Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos of Trivandrum was elected Vice President–First, while Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt of Kottayam was chosen as Vice President–Second. Archbishop Anil Couto was re-elected as Secretary General, continuing his responsibility for coordinating the Conference’s national pastoral initiatives and administrative activities.

The newly elected leadership reflects the ecclesial and liturgical diversity of the Catholic Church in India. Archbishop Anil Couto represents the Latin Rite, Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos belongs to the Syro-Malankara Rite, and Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt represents the Syro-Malabar Rite. This representation highlights the inclusive and collaborative character of the CBCI, which brings together bishops from India’s three Catholic traditions to foster unity and common mission.

During the same General Body Meeting, Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, was elected President of the CBCI, marking a new phase of leadership for the national body of Catholic bishops. The meeting concluded with renewed commitment to pastoral collaboration, unity, and mission-oriented service across the Church in India.

DMK Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson urged the Union Government to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), arguing that the statutory body has become ineffective at a time when minority communities face growing insecurity.

Raising the issue in the Upper House, Wilson described the matter as central to the spirit of the Constitution and expressed concern over what he characterised as increasing incidents of targeted violence against minority groups. He referred to cases of mob lynching, attacks on pastors and priests, and vandalism of places of worship, stating that such incidents undermine constitutional guarantees of equality, secularism and religious freedom.

The senior advocate-turned-parliamentarian also alleged that anti-conversion laws in some States are being misused, citing data that nearly 400 cases have been registered since 2020, resulting in around 1,200 arrests. According to him, minorities require stronger institutional protection, yet the NCM currently lacks leadership, with key posts such as Chairperson and members remaining vacant.

Wilson referenced a Parliamentary Standing Committee report that had recommended granting constitutional status to the Commission, noting that its advisory powers have limited effectiveness. He called for constitutional amendments and reforms to strengthen the Commission’s authority, including investigative powers. The issue drew attention in the Rajya Sabha amid broader discussions on institutional safeguards and the protection of constitutional values and minority rights.

The regulations aimed to promote inclusion by requiring equity committees with representation from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, persons with disabilities, and women. While intended to improve institutional accountability, critics raised concerns that committees chaired by vice chancellors may struggle to challenge existing power structures. Church leaders have emphasized that caste discrimination remains a serious issue, even within Christian educational institutions. They recalled past demands for justice after student deaths linked to discrimination and stressed that denying rights to Dalit Christians is both discriminatory and unconstitutional. Religious leaders also urged the Church to speak more strongly when efforts to address inequality are portrayed as divisive.

Legal experts have offered differing views. Some political voices welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay, arguing it could reduce tensions, while others pointed to constitutional protections against discrimination and stressed the need to confront social inequalities openly. Studies show that caste-based exclusion continues across religious boundaries, affecting educational outcomes and contributing to higher dropout rates among marginalized students. Dalit Christians, in particular, face challenges as conversion often leads to loss of certain affirmative action benefits while social prejudice persists.

Church statements in the past have declared casteism a sin, but observers say implementation has been uneven. Some institutions have introduced independent anti-discrimination mechanisms and curriculum reforms, showing possible paths forward. Leaders say meaningful change requires stronger policies, independent oversight, and continued advocacy for marginalized communities.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has elected new office bearers and committee heads to lead its various commissions and institutions as the 2026 General Body Meeting concluded.

The week-long assembly, held from February 4 to 10 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, brought together bishops from across the country to reflect on pastoral priorities and the Church’s engagement with contemporary society. Key discussions focused on social welfare, education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and coordinated responses to emerging challenges facing both the Church and the nation.

During the proceedings, Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi was elected secretary general. Several bishops were also appointed to head important CBCI offices and institutions to ensure coordinated leadership across different sectors.

Bishop Vincent Paulos was elected chairman of the Office for Labour and Migrants, while Bishop Joseph Kallaranghat will head Dialogue and the Desk for Ecumenism. Bishop Johannes Gorantla, OCD, was chosen to lead the Office for Clergy, Religious and NVSC, and Archbishop Elias Gonsalves will chair Education and Culture. Archbishop Thomas Netto will oversee Healthcare, and Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera will head the Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes.

Additional appointments include Bishop Telesphore Bilung, SVD, for Tribal Affairs; Bishop Vijay Kumar Rayalara, PIME, for Social Communications and NISCORT; Archbishop Raphy Manjaly for Doctrine; Bishop Ivan Pereira for Environment and Climate Change; Archbishop Peter Machado for Justice, Peace and Development; and Archbishop Linus Neli for Caritas India. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, service and collaborative pastoral mission.

After completing his medical studies at a top medical college in Bengaluru, 30-year-old Dr. Akshya Montry chose to return to his home district of Gajapati in Odisha, one of India’s most remote and underdeveloped regions. Raised in a poor village family, he says his own life struggles helped him understand the suffering of the people he now serves.

Dr. Montry works at the Kashinagar Community Health Center, a government hospital that mainly serves tribal and Dalit communities. Starting his day early, he treats 50 to 100 patients daily, handling common illnesses, emergencies, and accident cases. He considers his work a blessing and tries to treat every patient with care and respect.

Dr. Montry says he owes his medical education to the support of the Catholic Church. When his family could not afford the high admission fees, Church leaders and benefactors stepped in to help him through scholarships, donations, and fee concessions. This support continued throughout his studies, making it possible for him to complete his degree.

Now, Dr. Montry wants to specialize further while also helping poor students achieve their dreams. Odisha faces a serious shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas. Government reports show that many medical posts remain vacant, affecting healthcare delivery in tribal districts.

Church leaders say such achievements are remarkable, especially after the anti-Christian violence that affected Odisha in 2007–2008, disrupting education for many families. Today, there are dozens of Catholic doctors and nurses from poor backgrounds serving across the state.

Dr. Montry believes education restores dignity and hope. By serving his own people, he hopes to give back to society and inspire other young students to serve the poor with compassion and commitment.

The heavy iron gates of a central prison in Bengaluru opened recently for an 85-year-old Catholic nun, Sister Adele Korah. A guard saluted her and said, “Your people have been waiting for you.” Smiling, she replied that she too was eager to see them. For more than 20 years, Sister Korah has been visiting prisons as a volunteer, bringing hope, comfort, and faith to inmates.

In October 2025, Sister Korah and several other nuns published books sharing their experiences with prisoners across India. Her book, My Journey With Brethren Behind Bars, tells stories of 27 prisoners whose lives were renewed through encouragement and inner change. Other nuns wrote similar books, sharing stories of repentance, healing, and second chances from prisons in Bhopal, Pune, and Bengaluru.

The books were released during a national prison ministry convention in Kerala, where the ministry began over four decades ago. Today, the prison ministry has about 8,000 volunteers, nearly half of them Catholic religious, mostly nuns. They offer spiritual guidance, counseling, legal help, education, and skill training to prisoners.

Many nuns described prison ministry as the deepest expression of their vocation. Some help prisoners get bail or learn new skills, while others use music, prayer, and simple presence to heal wounded hearts. Several also continue supporting former prisoners after their release.

Church leaders say the dedication of these women has transformed prisons into places of renewal and hope. Through quiet service, prayer, and sacrifice, the nuns help prisoners rediscover dignity, faith, and the courage to begin again—even behind locked gates.