Sister Helen Mary Anthony , 63 year old nun of the sisters of St.Anne , Bangalore, will become the first women director of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) on May 1 . She succeeds redemptorist Fr. Mathew Abraham, who mentored her during her tenure as deputy director. She is a medical doctor specialising in gynecology and extensive experience in rural health care and hospital management.

Her appointment breaks the 83 year streak of male leadership at CHAI , India’s largest network of catholic medical professionals, comprises 3,572 member institutions, where 90% of members are women religious.

Sister Anthony said,  she aims to follow the footsteps of Australian missionary Sister Mary Glowrey, a medical doctor who laid the foundation for the medical ministry in India and founded the association in 1943.

Sister Anthony said the Sister Doctors Forum initially focused mainly on maternal and child health, addressing critical needs in underserved communities. When she began her career, infant mortality rates in rural regions reached 50 percent. It is brought down to less than 3 percent by the help of combined mission of the catholic nuns and government of India.

Sister Anthony said she will continue to implement the association’s goal to reach the unreached, engage in direct community health programs in the poorest areas, and in palliative care.

Sister Anthony represents as a symbol of infant survival and maternal hope.

Ten members of the Sisters of the Visitation congregation were detained and questioned by Railway Police at a railway station in Indore on April 7 after authorities suspected a case of human trafficking.

The group included eight candidates from Odisha and two young sisters. They were preparing to travel home for the holidays when police stopped them soon after they arrived at the station.

According to Bishop Thomas Mathew of Indore, the police had received information claiming that the group could be involved in human trafficking. The sisters and candidates were taken for questioning, but they managed to contact Church authorities and their families.

Priests from the diocese, including the procurator, quickly informed senior railway police officials about the matter. After the intervention, the group was released. However, they missed their scheduled train.

Bishop Mathew described the incident as disturbing and said it reflects the growing suspicion often faced by Church members. He said the exact source of the complaint is not known, but added that there are people who are often critical of the Church.

The bishop also said that even when people are later found innocent, they still suffer loss of time, money, and peace of mind.

In a message to clergy and religious in the diocese, Bishop Mathew advised them to be more careful while travelling. He reminded them that their movements are often watched and that they should take extra precautions to avoid unnecessary problems.

He expressed relief that the matter ended peacefully and thanked God that the situation did not become more serious.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has asked Parliament and Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill.

In a memorandum sent on March 31, the bishops warned that the bill could harm charities, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations across India. The memorandum was signed by Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI.

The bishops said the bill raises serious concerns about civil society freedom, constitutional rights, and the future of charitable service in India. They warned that under the proposed law, foreign funds and assets of organizations could be taken over by the government if their registration is cancelled, surrendered, or stopped.

The CBCI said this could unfairly punish organizations for simple administrative mistakes. It urged lawmakers to ensure that minor errors do not lead to harsh penalties such as asset seizure.

The bishops also raised concerns about property rights under the Indian Constitution. They warned that the bill could make trustees and office bearers responsible even before they are proven guilty.

The memorandum stressed that faith-based organizations have played an important role in nation-building through schools, hospitals, and social services. The bishops warned that millions of poor and needy people could suffer if these institutions are weakened.

Following protests from opposition parties and Church groups, the government has currently put the bill on hold.

The proposed legislation was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 26 by Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs.

Church voices in India are reflecting on a growing concern over children’s use of social media, following a proposal by the Government of Karnataka to restrict access for those under 16.

The proposal, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has sparked debate across society. While details are still being discussed, the move has drawn attention to the increasing influence of digital platforms on young people.

Church leaders say the issue is not just about technology, but about the overall formation of children. Many point out that social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged, often affecting the mental and emotional well-being of young users. Studies have linked heavy use of social media to anxiety, depression, and loneliness among teenagers.

The Church has long focused on guiding young people through family life, education, and faith formation. However, leaders note that much of a child’s time is now spent online, where values and ideas are shaped by algorithms rather than real-life relationships.

At the same time, some acknowledge that social media also has positive uses. It helps young people stay connected, learn new things, and even explore their faith, especially where local support is limited.

There are also concerns that a complete ban may not be practical for all families. Not all children have equal access to other activities like sports or cultural programs.

Church leaders say the situation calls for careful thinking and balanced action. They stress the need for families, schools, and communities to play a stronger role in guiding children. The focus, they say, should be on creating a healthy environment where young people can grow with proper values and support.

Catholic Church leaders in India have raised concerns over a proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, saying it could increase government control over charitable organizations.

The amendment, approved by the Government of India on March 18, aims to strengthen oversight on the use of foreign funds. It includes a provision allowing the government to take control of assets created using foreign contributions if an organization’s license is suspended, canceled, surrendered, or not renewed.

The bill also introduces a new rule for automatic cancellation of registration if it expires or is not renewed. In addition, it sets clear timelines for receiving and using foreign funds to improve transparency and accountability.

Church representatives say the changes could seriously affect many non-governmental organizations, especially those run by Christian groups working among the poor. They fear that properties such as land, buildings, and funds could come under government control.

Some leaders have expressed concern that the amendment goes beyond regulation and gives direct control over civil society organizations. They warn that this could weaken the work of charities serving marginalized communities.

Legal experts have also pointed out that stricter rules may limit the freedom of organizations to function independently and access foreign support. They believe this could reduce services provided to the poor and disadvantaged.

According to official data, thousands of organizations have already lost their licenses in recent years, while many others remain active.

Critics say the proposed amendment may further restrict the role of civil society. They have called for a balanced approach that ensures transparency while protecting the independence of charitable organizations.

The Missionaries of Charity has warned that it may take legal action against individuals and groups misusing the name, image, and words of Mother Teresa for fundraising and publicity.

In a statement issued on March 19, the congregation said many organizations are using Mother Teresa’s name without permission, especially on websites and social media, to collect money and gain attention. The congregation expressed deep pain over such misuse, calling it misleading and against the values she lived for.

The statement said that despite repeated warnings, the misuse has continued. As a result, the congregation has now decided to take legal steps against some groups. It also pointed out that using her name for public events, awards, or fundraising in luxurious settings goes against her life of simplicity, humility, and poverty.

The congregation clarified that, according to Mother Teresa’s will, her name and image belong to her successors, and anyone wishing to use them must take permission. It also stressed that the Missionaries of Charity do not engage in fundraising, as it was against her principles.

Church leaders have supported this concern, saying the issue is serious and genuine. At the same time, some organizations claimed they have proper permission and are using her name only to promote values like peace and service.

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 in Kolkata. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and was declared a saint in 2016. Today, her congregation continues her mission in many countries around the world.

Anthony Cardinal Poola, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, extended warm greetings to the Muslim community in India on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his message, he wished “dear Muslim brothers and sisters” and marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal. He highlighted the deep meaning of Eid, describing it as a celebration of sacrifice, discipline, and unity.

The Cardinal said that fasting is not only an act of devotion but also a way of inner purification that brings people closer to God. He noted that the values reflected during Ramadan and Eid go beyond religious boundaries and help build mutual respect and understanding among people of different faiths.

He also spoke about the present global situation, expressing concern over conflicts, social tensions, and the suffering of many people, especially the poor and vulnerable. In this context, he called on everyone to take inspiration from the spirit of Eid and respond with compassion and solidarity.

He encouraged people to work together to overcome division, hatred, and prejudice. He said that such efforts can help build a society based on brotherhood, peace, and goodwill.

The message concluded with prayers that Eid may bring joy, peace, and prosperity to families and communities. He also expressed hope that the festival would inspire people to work for harmony, justice, and unity in society.

The Supreme Court of India on March 24 upheld a ruling that a person who converts to Christianity cannot be considered a member of a Scheduled Caste. The court affirmed an earlier decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on the issue.

The judgment referred to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which states that Scheduled Caste status is limited to those who follow Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The court said this rule is absolute and that conversion to any other religion results in the immediate loss of Scheduled Caste status.

The bench, including Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan, clarified that a person cannot practice another religion and still claim benefits meant for Scheduled Castes. This includes protections, reservations, and legal rights under various laws.

The case involved a man who had converted to Christianity and was working as a pastor. He had filed a complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, alleging assault and threats. The accused challenged the complaint, saying it was not valid since the man was no longer part of a Scheduled Caste.

Earlier, the High Court had ruled that caste does not apply within Christianity and dismissed the case. The Supreme Court agreed, noting that the man continued to practice Christianity and had not returned to his original religion.

The court also said that having a caste certificate does not automatically give legal protection if a person has changed religion, as such matters must follow legal rules.

The Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the largest men’s congregation of the Syro-Malabar Church, has elected Father Paul Achandy as its prior general for the second time. The election was held on March 19 during the 39th General Chapter at Chavara Hills in Kochi.

Father Achandy, 62, had earlier served as prior general for six years from 2014. His earlier term began in the same year when the congregation’s founder, Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, was canonized. His return to leadership comes as the congregation prepares to celebrate its bicentenary in 2031.

After completing his previous term, he served as chancellor of Christ University and rector of Dharmaram College in Bengaluru. He also spent the past three years in Kenya.

His re-election is seen as a sign of trust and continuity, especially at a time when religious congregations face new challenges in mission and administration. Church members say such a return to leadership is uncommon, as most congregations follow fixed terms.

Born on May 19, 1963, Father Achandy was ordained a priest in 1992. He holds an MBA and a doctorate in management, with a focus on human resource development. He has served in key roles, including provincial in Thrissur and director of Amala Institute of Medical Sciences.

The CMI congregation, founded in 1831, has nearly 3,000 members working in education, healthcare, and social service in more than 30 countries.

Many have welcomed his re-election, describing him as a simple and visionary leader who guides with wisdom, faith, and commitment.

Catholics across India have been invited to observe a special Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in the Middle East on March 13. The call was made by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The day is part of the Week of Prayer for Peace, which is being observed from March 8 to March 14. The initiative was announced by the bishops as violence and tensions continue in several parts of the Middle East.

Church leaders have encouraged the faithful to offer fasting, prayer, and personal sacrifices for peace in the troubled region. They are also asked to pray for the protection of innocent people who are suffering because of the conflicts and for wisdom for world leaders working for peace and reconciliation.

The bishops have also asked Catholics to remember the many Indians who live and work in Middle Eastern countries. Many of them support their families in India and contribute greatly to both the Church and society. The faithful have been urged to pray in a special way for their safety and well-being.

During the week, Catholics have been encouraged to pray the Holy Rosary every day, asking the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, for harmony and justice in the region.

Parishes, families, and prayer groups across India have been invited to take part in the March 13 observance. Church leaders hope that united prayer and sacrifice will help bring peace, healing, and hope to people suffering from violence in the Middle East.