Bishop Emeritus Dominic Kokkat of Gorakhpur, the first bishop from the Little Flower Congregation (CST), passed away on January 25 at the age of 93. He breathed his last at 10:58 am at Fatima Hospital, Gorakhpur, a healthcare institution he himself established in 1995. The bishop had been admitted to the hospital on December 14, 2025, with fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Doctors later confirmed that he was suffering from severe pneumonia, with fluid accumulation around the lungs and complications affecting the heart and kidneys. His condition gradually worsened, and he remained under intensive care for over a month. He received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on December 21, 2025.

Remembering him, leaders of the Little Flower Congregation described Bishop Kokkat as a pastor deeply inspired by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. His life reflected simplicity, humility, and love expressed through daily acts of service. His episcopal ministry was marked by patient listening, gentle guidance, and total trust in God.

Bishop Kokkat was installed as the first bishop of Gorakhpur on October 4, 1984. His leadership strengthened missionary outreach in a challenging region through parishes, schools, clinics, and social service centres, bringing hope and dignity to the poor and marginalized. He also founded the Little Sisters of St. Thérèse to support missionary and pastoral work, especially among women and children. Bishop Kokkat retired in 2006. Born on February 23, 1932, in Vaikom, Kerala, in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, he joined the Little Flower Congregation in 1953 and was ordained a priest on October 4, 1960.

‘The Chosen Encounter’ marked a major highlight of the JAAGO National Conference held at Christ University, bringing together over 12,000 youth from dioceses across India. The large-scale gathering stood out as one of the most significant national youth events of the year, with participants engaging in faith-centred reflection and collective worship. The encounter was based on the television series ‘The Chosen’.

Led by Ajin Joseph, Catholic Engagement Manager of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the encounter used selected scenes and testimonies from The Chosen to invite young participants to reflect on the life of Christ, prompting many to describe the experience as deeply personal and spiritually enriching.

During the session, organisers announced the theatrical release of The Chosen: The Crucifixion, scheduled for February 2027. Youth were encouraged to support the release by watching the film in theatres and promoting it within their local communities. Several participants expressed their commitment to attend the screening and to invite others, viewing the initiative as an opportunity to witness to their faith. The encounter included moments of prayer and reflection, during which many youth shared testimonies of renewed faith and inspiration emerging from the session.

A 37-year-old man from Kerala is on an all-India cycle journey with a unique mission: to build India’s first housing enclave for persons with disabilities by collecting just one rupee from people he meets. Raneesh Thattaruparambil, a mobile shop owner, began his “Mission One Rupee” in January 2021 with a schoolteacher friend. After a six-month break in 2025 due to personal reasons, he resumed the journey on January 7, this time accompanied by his wife Rajini and their fourth-grade son, Rio. Kerala Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar flagged off the second phase at the Pathanamthitta bus stand.

Raneesh said the idea was born from a desire to “leave a mark on the world” by helping the most vulnerable. The project aims to build houses for five physically disabled families who have neither land nor homes. Funds collected during the first phase were used to purchase land and lay foundation stones for five houses at Ambalavayal in Wayanad.

The family travels in a custom-built cycle caravan, a compact mobile home equipped with basic amenities powered by solar energy. Along the way, they request just one rupee from individuals, though many choose to give more. Raneesh said the public response has been largely supportive, despite occasional hesitation due to concerns over charity misuse. Once completed, the project is expected to become India’s first residential colony dedicated to families with disabilities.

Church leaders, educationists and representatives of Catholic institutions gathered at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) for an interaction titled “Listening with the Heart: A Shared Journey in Education and Culture,” featuring Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

Jointly organised by the CBCI Office for Education and Culture, the Karnataka Regional Commission for Education and CHRIST University, the programme addressed contemporary questions related to Catholic education and cultural engagement in India.

In his address, Archbishop Polvani highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage as a valuable resource for the Church’s mission in education and society. Referring to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, genetics and biotechnology, he spoke of the emergence of the “digital human” and warned that these developments would reshape humanity at an anthropological level. He stressed the need to ensure that technology serves the common good rather than directing human destiny. He also pointed to India’s lived experience of religious and cultural diversity, describing it as a model of “disarmed peace” that offers insights into coexistence in complex societies.

Bishop Elias Gonsalves, Chairman of the CBCI Education Apostolate, underlined the importance of collective reflection and collaboration in responding to changing educational realities. A session on “Challenges and Opportunities” featured contributions from Fr Charles Maria, Secretary of CBCI Education, and Fr Jose C., Vice Chancellor of CHRIST University. Perspectives from school and college education were shared by Dr Sr Deepti, Dr Sr Louiza and Sr Jessy Pereira. An interactive session allowed participants to engage Archbishop Polvani on education, culture and the Church’s pastoral mission, moderated by Dr Fr Francis Assisi Almeida.

A major ecumenical summit held in Chennai has resolved to strengthen the Christian community’s socio-economic and political empowerment while safeguarding its constitutional rights.

Nearly 6,000 representatives from different Christian denominations across India participated in “Tabor 2025,” organised at the St. Thomas Mount National Shrine Basilica. The event was conducted simultaneously at four venues for youth, children, religious and lay participants.

The summit marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed was adopted as a foundational expression of Christian faith. Organisers said the initiative will continue until 2033, when Christians commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Christ.

Held at the traditional site of the martyrdom of St Thomas the Apostle, the gathering took place against the backdrop of increasing attacks on Christians in several parts of the country. Under the theme “Christianity: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” speakers reflected on the Church’s responsibilities amid social challenges and religious intolerance.

Participants highlighted the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, social justice and development, while expressing concern over the suffering faced by Christian communities. Calls were made for unity, prayer and collective action against injustice and discrimination. Speakers also urged Christians to overcome social evils such as caste discrimination, dowry and corruption.

The summit emphasised the constitutional values of equality, liberty and fraternity, urging believers to defend these principles. Concluding resolutions stressed active participation in nation-building, ethical use of media, and the need to strengthen Christian identity rooted in love, peace and reconciliation.

Martyr Saint Devasahayam is set to be formally declared the Patron Saint of the Laity in India at a solemn ceremony on 14 January, to be held at the Devasahayam Mount Shrine in Aralvaimozhy, a historic site closely linked to the saint’s life and martyrdom. The declaration will be made during a Eucharistic celebration at the shrine, marking a significant moment for the Catholic community across the country. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, will formally proclaim the patronage, while Archbishop George Antonysammy of Madras–Mylapore will preside over the liturgy along with several senior church leaders. The celebration will bring together archbishops, bishops, priests, religious and lay representatives from different parts of India. The homily will be delivered by Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry–Cuddalore, with Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai and Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi among the concelebrants. Bishop Eugene Joseph also serves as chairman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Commission for Laity.

A key highlight of the event will be the launch of the ‘Devasahayam Spirituality Movement’, aimed at encouraging lay people to draw inspiration from the life, faith and sacrifice of Saint Devasahayam in their daily lives. Church leaders have described the declaration as a moment of national significance, recognising Saint Devasahayam as a model of faith and courage for lay Christians in India. The saint is widely remembered for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, summed up in his well-known words: “I have decided to follow Jesus, and no one can turn me back.”

The Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice 2025 has been conferred on Edna Adan Ismail of Somaliland and seven others in recognition of their contributions to social justice across fields including health care, women’s rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian service.

The awards were presented on December 21 at a ceremony in Mumbai. Instituted in 2005 by the Mumbai-based Harmony Foundation, the Mother Teresa Memorial Award is the only award officially recognised by the Missionaries of Charity, the congregation founded by Mother Teresa. The award includes a citation and a trophy bearing her image.

Indian environmentalist Swami Prem Parivartan was honoured for decades of work in tree conservation, while physician Ganesh Rakh received recognition for his “Save the Girl Child” initiative, which promotes gender equality in healthcare.

Additional recipients included social activists Safeena Husain, Rajendra Singh, Heba Elsewedy, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The ceremony, marking the 21st year of the awards, was held under the theme “Guardians of Humanity,” celebrating compassion and service in challenging global times.

For many Christian families across India, this Christmas has arrived with silence instead of celebration, as at least 112 Christians spend the festive season behind bars, according to Christian advocacy groups. Most of those detained have been charged under state anti-conversion laws, which community leaders say are increasingly used to target religious minorities.

Among them is Laxmi Yadav, a 35-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh, who was arrested two months ago on allegations of illegal religious conversion — charges her family firmly denies. This Christmas, her husband Virendra Yadav and their teenage son are observing the season quietly, relying on prayer and hope as she remains in jail. “I came with nothing except prayer and encouragement,” Virendra said while waiting outside the Gorakhpur district jail for a brief visit. “I want her to know she is not alone.”

Christian groups estimate that at least 82 of those jailed are from Uttar Pradesh, where arrests have increased since amendments to the anti-conversion law in 2024. Bail, church leaders say, has become increasingly difficult, even in cases where no victims of alleged conversion are produced.

Community leaders argue that many arrests follow complaints filed during prayer meetings or Christmas gatherings, often without preliminary investigation. Legal aid volunteers assisting detainees claim that several cases lack even basic evidence. Despite the hardship, Christian organisations say efforts are underway to support affected families during the Christmas season. Volunteers are visiting homes with food, prayers, and messages of solidarity.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing rise in attacks against Christians during the Christmas season, condemning incidents reported from several states and calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of the community.

In a statement issued, the CBCI said reports of attacks on peaceful carol singers and congregations gathered for Christmas prayers posed a serious challenge to India’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and the right to live and worship without fear. The bishops’ body warned that such incidents threaten social harmony and undermine the country’s pluralistic fabric.

The CBCI said it was particularly shocked by a widely circulated video from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, which allegedly showed a visually challenged woman attending a Christmas programme being verbally abused and physically harassed by Anju Bhargava, identified as a local political office-bearer. Terming the incident dehumanising, the CBCI demanded her immediate removal from the party and strict legal action.

The statement also raised concern over reports of disruptions to Christmas gatherings by groups described as hostile to religious minorities. Additionally, the CBCI flagged the circulation of hate-filled digital posters in Chhattisgarh that reportedly called for a bandh on December 24, warning that such messages could inflame communal tensions and provoke further violence. Condemning these acts in the strongest terms, the CBCI urged state governments and the Union government to take swift and visible action against individuals and organisations promoting hatred. The bishops also appealed to the Union Home Minister to ensure effective law enforcement and proactive protection for Christian communities, so that Christmas could be observed peacefully across the country in an atmosphere of safety, dignity, and harmony.

            Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25 attended the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi, joining members of the Christian community for prayers, carols, and hymns marking the festival.

A special prayer was offered for the Prime Minister during the service by the Bishop of Delhi. Following the visit, Mr. Modi extended Christmas greetings through a message on social media, wishing peace, compassion, and hope, and invoking the teachings of Jesus Christ as a source of harmony and goodwill in society. Officials said the message highlighted values of love, service, and brotherhood.

The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when Christian groups across the country have voiced concern over recent incidents involving disruptions of church services, prayer meetings, and Christmas-related events. In several states, carol programmes and community celebrations reportedly faced objections or were cancelled following protests, raising concerns about religious freedom and safety.

Reactions to the visit have been mixed among church leaders and civil society groups. While welcoming the symbolic outreach, many have stressed that gestures and greetings must be accompanied by concrete action. They have called for stronger assurances of protection, swift legal action against those involved in violence or intimidation, and clear public messaging against hate and vigilantism. Opposition leaders and minority rights activists have also urged authorities to ensure effective enforcement of the law and uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and equal citizenship for all communities.