National

Catholic priest made colonel in Indian army

A Carmelite of Mary Immaculate priest was on February 26 conferred the honorary title of Colonel Commandant by the federal Ministry of Defense. Father Abraham Mani Vettiankal, who serve as the vice chancellor of the Christ University in Bengaluru is the first Indian Catholic priest to get the honour for his outstanding contributions to the […]

53 anti-Christian incidents registered in 45 days

As many as 53 incidents of violence against Christians were registered in the first 45 days of 2022, says an ecumenical group based in New Delhi. The United Christian Forum on February 15 said the incidents were recorded by its toll-free helpline number launched seven years ago. The 53 incidents were recorded as on February […]

Indian archbishop calls for protection of Christians

A Catholic archbishop in southern India has appealed to the provincial government to protect Christians, their places of worship, religious symbols and sacred structures. Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore said the Feb. 15 demolition of a statue of Jesus and Stations of the Cross at Gokunte in Kolar district of Karnataka state “had not only […]

India government destroys 20-foot Jesus statue in Christian village

Officials have destroyed a 20-foot-tall statue of Jesus that has been standing in a village in India for 18 years. The local administration said the statue was built on land reserved as an animal pasture, and claims its destruction was ordered by the High Court. However, Christian leaders from the region say the case was […]

Hunger Watch Survey reveals alarming food insecurity in India

The recent Hunger Watch Survey reveals an alarming state of food insecurity and economic distress in India. The study was conducted by the Right to Food Campaign India along with a number of associated organizations and the results were released February 23 at the Press Club of India, New Delhi. According to the study, close […]

Young professionals quit jobs to become priests

Fr John Purakkattuputhenpura was among several young professionals who are being ordained Catholic priests this year as the Church in India struggles with clergy abuse and other scandals. These young men have ignored negative reports about priesthood to leave their lucrative and promising careers. All that mattered to them was their inner call, says Father […]

Catholic women demand transparency in Church handling clergy abuse

The Sisters in Solidarity, a national forum of Catholic women in India, on February 6 demanded “absolute transparency and accountability” in the way the Church handles sex abuse cases. The group, comprising religious and lay women, stresses revising canon law and the “theology of priesthood” to cleanse the Church of “elements that breed clericalism, which […]

Indian Christians seek legal remedy for decent burial

The top court in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has served notices on government officials seeking an explanation for the lack of burial grounds for Christians in Thane district. The officials have been directed to file their replies on the contention that local Christians lacked sufficient space for burying their dead made in a […]

Eviction-facing Indian Catholics to fight Muslim charity’s claims

Goans oppose tourism project near 16th century basilica