A new multi-lingual animation film titled MOM – Manna of the Manger will be released this Christmas in Hindi, English, and Malayalam, offering audiences a fresh and imaginative reflection on who Jesus is, what he represents as the “Bread of Life”, when and where the story unfolds, why Bethlehem is significant, and how the narrative invites viewers to contemplate divine purpose. The film explores the profound symbolism behind the name Bethlehem, meaning “House of Bread”. Jesus multiplied bread for the crowds, proclaimed himself the Bread of Life at the Last Supper, and — in what the creators suggest may be a moment of divine intent — was born in the House of Bread.

This stable becomes a sacred setting where children shape clay suns, moons, stars, and bread. Jesus joins in their play, delighting in creation. When the children ask him, “Can you turn our clay manna into real bread?”, the moment echoes the temptation in the desert: “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.” The narrative invites viewers to ponder the choice before him — will the Bread of Life perform such a miracle in the House of Bread? With a concept that creatively bridges scripture and imagination, the film seeks to engage viewers of all ages through the expressive medium of animation.

MOM – Manna of the Manger is an initiative of Father Anand of Atmadarshan, Indore, and is produced by the St Peter Claver Sisters. The film is written and directed by Rajesh K Abraham, a filmmaker from Kerala, who spent months studying theology and scripture to craft this unique storyline. The release is expected to add a meaningful cinematic experience to the festive season, inviting families to encounter the Christmas story through a new lens.

On a tense May morning, villagers in Samba — a small hamlet along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan — woke up to the sound of fighter jets, mortar fire and heavy shelling. As thousands fled to safer areas, three Catholic nuns at St. Joseph Community Hospital made a brave decision: they stayed back to care for the sick and injured. St. Joseph Community Hospital, run by the Jammu-Srinagar Diocese, is the only charitable hospital for the poor in the region. The building is old and resources are limited, but for local villagers it is a lifeline. Sr. Annie Manickathan, the senior nun, said, “If we leave, who will be with them? God sent us here.” She has served in different mission areas for decades and believes this work is her calling.

The hospital has six departments and survives through “simple living and strong faith.” Many patients are migrants, widows and daily-wage workers. “Some don’t even have five rupees,” Sr. Annie said. “For them we give medicines free.” Sr. Lilly Thomas, who joined soon after the war, came from New Delhi’s Holy Family Hospital. Though her family feared for her safety, she said she felt called to serve in this border district. Sr. Anita Minj has been in Samba for eight years and earlier worked with local youth through skill development programs. During the four-day conflict in May, the nuns treated people injured in shelling, cared for mothers and children, and kept the hospital open even when power lines were damaged and bombs fell nearby. Many nights they stayed awake praying for safety.

In mostly-Hindu Samba, the sisters say they share God’s love not through words but through service. Villagers — Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs — come to them simply as “sisters.” For the people of this border village, their courage and compassion have become a sign of hope.

India’s Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of a Christian army officer who was dismissed for refusing to take part in a regimental religious ceremony at a Sikh temple. The court called his behaviour “gross indiscipline.” On Nov. 25, the top court upheld a Delhi High Court ruling that confirmed the dismissal of Samuel Kamalesan, a Protestant officer who declined to enter the inner prayer area of a gurdwara during a weekly parade. The High Court had said he placed his religious beliefs above a lawful military order. Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned the officer’s conduct, saying such behaviour was unacceptable in the armed forces. The bench, also including Justice Joymalya Bagchi, refused to overturn the earlier judgment.

Kamalesan had joined the army as a lieutenant and served as a troop leader in a Sikh-majority squadron. In March 2021, four years after joining, he was dismissed without pension or service benefits. As a troop leader, he was expected to lead his unit into the gurdwara’s sanctum sanctorum during weekly prayers. He refused, saying his Christian faith did not permit him to take part in rituals of another religion. His lawyer argued that it was only a single incident and requested his reinstatement. He also said the officer regularly attended multi-faith prayer spaces common in army stations. However, this regiment had only a gurdwara and a Hindu temple. A Catholic lawyer commented that faith and military discipline are separate issues, and no one should be forced to take part in a religious ritual they do not believe in. He also questioned why a secular army requires participation in religious ceremonies. Regimental religious parades have been part of army tradition for many years.

Extending its greetings to all citizens on the occasion of Constitution Day, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) encouraged every section of the population to uphold the foundational principles of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These values are essential for the well-being of the democratic Republic and call for renewed commitment and careful preservation, the statement said. The CBCI stated that the Indian Constitution, as envisioned by its framers, stands as a beacon of justice, equality, and fraternity. It noted that the Constitution reflects the shared aspirations of a diverse and pluralistic society, ensuring that every citizen enjoys dignity, rights, and opportunities irrespective of religion, caste, or creed.

Constitutional guarantees provided to all sections of society, including religious minorities and other socially vulnerable groups, should be valued and effectively implemented, the CBCI emphasized. The CBCI affirmed that a credible electoral process is at the heart of any democracy. It noted that concerns raised by different sections of the population regarding electoral processes should be addressed. The CBCI called upon the government to take necessary steps to ensure the independence, functional neutrality, and efficacy of democratic institutions. Reaffirming its commitment to uphold the spirit of the Constitution, the CBCI stated that it would continue working for the upliftment of the marginalized, fostering interfaith dialogue, and contributing to the nation’s progress. The CBCI encouraged all citizens to rededicate themselves to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It called for collective efforts to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and progressive India under the guidance of the Constitution.

The Commission for Laity organised a two-day Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) for lay leaders of the Northern Region at Maithri Bhavan, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre (DPC), Jammu, under the Diocese of Jammu–Srinagar. The training, held from 7 to 8 November, revolved around the theme “Leadership in a Synodal Church.”

A total of 40 lay leaders from four dioceses—Archdiocese of Delhi, Jammu–Srinagar, Shimla–Chandigarh, and Jalandhar—participated in the programme. The event was graced by Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Chairman of the Laity Commission, Northern Region, and Dr. Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu–Srinagar. Both prelates, along with other regional leaders, lit the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the training.

In their addresses, both bishops underscored the vital role of lay leaders in fostering a truly Synodal Church. The sessions were led by Fr. Anthony Fernandes, National Executive Secretary for Laity, and Ms. Seanna Rodrigues, a professional trainer. Their inputs centred on pastoral and people-oriented leadership, exploring topics such as Mindfulness and Self-Values for Synodal Leadership, Servant Leadership, Creative Collaboration in Ministry, and Jesus’ Model of Leadership. The training encouraged active participation through group discussions and diocesan-level planning.

Adding a touch of camaraderie, cultural activities and team-building games enlivened the two-day programme, fostering fellowship and collaboration among the participants. The training concluded with diocesan teams presenting concrete action plans aligned with the National Pastoral Plan 2033, focusing on strengthening pastoral leadership at parish, deanery, and diocesan levels. The Regional ToT proved to be an enriching and empowering experience, equipping lay leaders to serve more effectively in the spirit of synodality.

Bishop Niranjan Sualsingh of Sambalpur in Odisha has urged his faithful to join in prayer for a diocesan priest arrested following a motorcycle accident. The Bishop’s November 11 circular asked Catholics and people of goodwill “to keep Father Paul Adapoor in their prayers, that he may be strengthened by faith and delivered from his present trials.”

Expressing deep concern, the Bishop wrote, “It is with great sadness that I inform you about an unfortunate incident involving Fr. Paul Adapoor, the Parish Priest of Meghpal Parish.” On November 9 at around 2:00 p.m., Fr. Paul was returning from Sambalpur to Meghpal when his vehicle was involved in an accident near Hiro village, under the jurisdiction of Jujumura Police Station. A motorcyclist, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, collided with Fr. Paul’s vehicle and died at the scene.

Following the accident, a crowd gathered at the scene. In the ensuing tension, Fr. Paul was physically assaulted by some members of the mob. The police intervened promptly, rescued him, and took him to Jujumura Police Station for his safety and to complete the necessary legal formalities. A case has been registered under Sections BNS 281 and 106/1, but regrettably, Section 105 has also been falsely added. Due to this additional charge, Fr. Paul was denied bail and was sent to Sambalpur Jail on November 10.

“We are in close contact with the concerned authorities and are taking all necessary legal steps, including applying for bail at the District Court. We remain confident that truth and justice will prevail and that Fr. Paul will be released soon,” the Bishop assured.

Pope Leo XIV spoke of the beatification this week of Mother Eliswa Vakayil, a 19th-century Indian religious and founder of the Third Order of the Teresian Discalced Carmelites, highlighting her “courageous commitment to the emancipation of the poorest girls.” “The witness of Mother Eliswa Vakayil,” the pope affirmed during his greetings in Italian at the end of his general audience on Nov. 12, “is a source of inspiration for all who work in the Church and in society for the dignity of women.”

The beatification ceremony on Nov. 8 was held in the square in front of the Basilica-Shrine of Our Lady of Ransom in Vallarpadam, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala, and was presided over by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Archbishop of Penang, Malaysia.

Before thousands of faithful and men and women religious from across the country, the cardinal emphasized that the new blessed represents “a beacon of hope” for all “consecrated women, for all mothers, and for all those who suffer in silence and yet choose to love,” according to Vatican News.

During the homily at the beatification, the cardinal emphasized the “inclusive vision” of Mother Eliswa Vakayil, with which she “was ahead of her time and is a true expression of synodality in action: walking together in communion.” The new blessed, he added, “shows the way” to the Church on its synodal journey “listening, discerning, and walking together.” 

The foundation of her “unwavering faith,” he affirmed, “lies in her spirituality, vision, and mission, all rooted in her identity as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ through baptism, the very heart of synodality.” With the official recognition of her holiness, the Church proposes Mother Eliswa Vakayil  as a model of evangelical life embodied in service to the poor, in the promotion of women, and in the building of fraternal communities.

Church leaders in India have expressed deep sorrow over the reported loss of 13 lives in a powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on the evening of Nov. 10. The explosion took place around 6:52 p.m. inside a car near a traffic signal in a crowded area, injuring around 24 people and damaging other vehicles, said Federal Home Minister Amit Shah

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, which is suspected to have been triggered either by a CNG (compressed natural gas) cylinder or a low-intensity improvised explosive device (IED). Officials have yet to formally confirm the cause of the blast or name suspects, but they appear to be treating the explosion as a potential act of terrorism, not just a criminal or accidental blast, according to media reports.

The entire area around the 17th-century Mughal fortress, visited by thousands of tourists every day, and where Indian prime ministers give their Independence Day speeches each year, has been sealed off. India’s national capital and other major cities have been placed on high security alert.

“The Catholic Church in New Delhi joins others to condole the lives lost in the blast and pray for the speedy recovery of the people who are injured,” said Father Savarimuthu Sankar, spokesperson of Delhi archdiocese. He hoped that the federal government would take all the necessary steps to uncover the truth behind the blast and maintain peace. “The Church has always stood for peace and promotes brotherhood among all faiths, and hopes innocent lives are not lost in mindless violence,” Sankar said.

A C Michael, the convenor of the ecumenical United Christian Forum, said civil society needs to work closely with the government of the day to ensure social harmony in the country in difficult times. “It is the responsibility of the incumbent government to maintain harmony in the country,” said the Catholic lay leader, who is a former member of the Delhi Minorities Commission. Michael said that politicians should avoid making statements that “create unnecessary divisive feelings among the citizenry.”

Three Christian tribal women, who were intimidated and assaulted by Hindu activists at a railway station in central India’s Chhattisgarh state four months ago — an incident that also led to the arrest of two Catholic nuns — have begun a relay hunger strike demanding justice.

The women, joined by their families and supporters, launched an “indefinite relay fast” on Nov. 10 outside the Narayanpur district headquarters. “The women were forced to take this extreme step as police failed to register a case against their attackers–Hindu activists,” said Phulsingh Kachlam, district secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), which is backing their protest.

The Chhattisgarh State Women’s Commission, a statutory body, had on Oct. 8 directed the state’s Director General of Police to file a case based on the women’s complaints. The official was given two weeks to comply and report back. But the order remains unimplemented. “Nothing has been done,” one of the women said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will continue our fast until we get justice.” Their demand is straightforward, she said — to register a police case documenting the incident.

The July 25 assault took place at Durg railway station, where the women and two nuns from the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate — Sisters Vandana Francis and Preeti Mary — were stopped by Hindu activists, including some women.

Christian leaders say Hindu groups target Christians in their attempt to turn India into a Hindu-only nation. Last year, the United Christian Forum, a New Delhi-based ecumenical rights group, documented 165 anti-Christian incidents in the state — the second-highest number in India. Christians make up less than 2 percent of Chhattisgarh’s roughly 30 million people.

In a bold move to safeguard the rights of children, Don Bosco Gujarat, in collaboration with Just Rights for Children, launched a 100-day campaign to eradicate child marriage across Anand, Vadodara, and Chhotaudepur districts. The campaign was inaugurated on 13 October 2025 by Don Bosco Kawant and Don Bosco Kapadvanj, both of which have long championed the dignity and future of children. This regional initiative aligns with the national movement Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (Child Marriage-Free India), launched by Union Minister Smt. Annapurna Devi in November 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Under the national umbrella, DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant, and DRISTI Don Bosco, Kapadvanj — partners of the Just Rights for Children Alliance — have played a pivotal role in grassroots awareness and prevention. Nationwide, the campaign has prevented over 1.9 lakh child marriages, offering thousands of children the chance to pursue education and personal growth.

The 100-day intensive awareness drive, running from 1 November 2025 to 26 January 2026, aims to mobilize communities, strengthen local participation, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Religious leaders — pujaris, maulanas, granthis — along with marriage enablers such as caterers, printers, musicians, and halwais, will be engaged to ensure vigilance and accountability. Village panchayats will play a key role in declaring child marriage-free zones. Between June and September 2025, Don Bosco teams profiled 150 villages, conducted community meetings, painted awareness messages on walls in 25 villages, and collected pledge letters from 150 families. A national workshop titled Voices of Survivors brought together 53 participants who shared stories of resilience and transformation. Don Bosco Gujarat continues its mission to educate, empower, and protect young lives. The campaign stands as a clarion call: every child deserves the right to grow, learn, and dream — free from the burden of early marriage.