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A few days ago, I watched a YouTube video on the pathetic conditions of the homeless people and the Night Shelters in Delhi. A few contradictions can be seen in every country. But in India we live amid contradictions everywhere. Delhi being the capital city of the country contains glaring contradictions of affluence and poverty.The city is known for its sprawling urban landscape and bustling life where the rich class has created its own luxurious housing complexes. The political leaders and elected representatives also enjoy superb housing facilities with spacious bungalows and gardens.The same city hides a darker truth: a growing number of people are forced to live on the roads, battling the bitter cold and severe heat. The government’s claim that sufficient shelter homes are available seems to stand in stark contrast to the experiences of those who are still out in the open, vulnerable to various health issues.Many shelter homes in Delhi are reportedly refusing entry to families with small children, leaving them with nowhere to turn during the harsh winter months. According to those affected, the shelters cite a rule that prohibits admitting families with young children, claiming that the presence of children disturbs other residents.This policy has forced many families, already struggling to survive on the streets, to endure various challenges. This exclusionary practice is a harsh reality for many homeless families in the city. While shelters are meant t
In recent times, the Catholic Church in India has witnessed an increasing trend of grandiose celebrations, including centenaries of dioceses, anniversaries of religious congregations, and lavish jubilees for bishops and priests. Among these, one of the most extravagant and financially burdensome events is the consecration and installation of bishops.Participating in episcopal consecrations and installations across India often reveals a stark contrast between the Church’s mission and the actual practice. Each of these events incurs a minimum expenditure of 20 to 25 lakh rupees, covering a wide range of expenses: the invitation of the apostolic nuncio, travel and accommodation for bishops and clergy, elaborate liturgical arrangements, choir costs, printed song sheets, grand receptions, advertisements in Catholic magazines, and extensive logistical preparations such as stage setup, lighting, and audiovisual systems, sumptuous meals to the clergy and religious and a packed parcel to the participants and thus the list continues.Ironically, while dioceses allocate significant funds for these celebrations, many struggle to maintain essential infrastructure. Schools under their administration lack funds to renovate toilets, and parish churches face challenges in repairing leaking roofs.The paradox is evident–spending lakhs on an installation ceremony while neglecting pressing pastoral and social responsibilities.Canon Law and
The Holy Jubilee of 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis, together with the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation of the Mission (C.M.), announced by the Superior General, Very Rev. P. Tomaž Mavrič, C.M., represents for us Vincentian Missionaries a privileged opportunity for renewal in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Celebrating 400 years (1625–2025) since the foundation of the Congregation means reflecting on the charism and the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and of the Vincentian Family in the world.Founded in 1625 in Paris by St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660) with the support of Madame de Gondi (Françoise Marguerite de Silly, 1580–1625) and her husband, Philippe Emmanuel de Gondi, the Congregation aimed to evangelize the rural poor and respond to the needs of the most destitute. Indeed, the charism of the C.M. is encapsulated in: “Evangelizare Pauperibus Misit Me – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18). The first mission was sent to Madagascar, where the missionaries faced extremely challenging environmental conditions.The first motherhouse was Bons-Enfants (1625–1632), followed by Saint Lazare (1632–1792), and finally the house at 95 Rue de Sèvres, where the relics of St. Vincent de Paul are preserved today. The Congregation received papal approval from Pope Urban VIII in 1633. In the same year, St. Vincent, together with St. Louise de Marillac (1591–1660), founded the Daughters of Charity, a ponti
Theologians in India are saddened at the passing of a multidimensional contextual theologian and Professor of Theology Fr. Felix Wilfred on January 7, 2025. His unexpected demise leaves a void in the hearts of his students and peers. He was 76 years old. Funeral is scheduled for January 9 at St James Church, Puthenkadai.Born in 1948 in Puthenkadai, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, Felix was the second child of B. Arogyam, a local school headmaster, and Mary Josephine. Completing his schooling at 16, Felix journeyed to Rome in 1965 to undertake his philosophical and theological studies, training to become a Catholic priest.He earned degrees from Pontifical Urban University, studied Italian literature at the University of Perugia, and French philosophy and literature at the University of Caen, France. Even as a student, he won three gold medals for academic excellence. Felix mastered classical languages like Latin and Greek, and several European languages including Italian, Spanish, French, and German.His formative years coincided with the post-Second Vatican Council era. Recalling his arrival in Rome in 1965, Felix witnessed the closing function of Vatican II at St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis invited him as a theological expert to the Synod on Synodality 2024.Upon completing his studies, Felix returned to Tamil Nadu in 1977 as a theological educator at St. Paul’s Major Seminary. There, he began the transformative process of theological education, incor
Manmohan Singh, who pulled India from the brink of bankruptcy and made it one of the fastest growing economies in the world, died on December 26 in New Delhi. Singh, the 13th prime minister of India, died at 9:45 pm in All India Institute of Medical Sciences where he was admitted earlier in the day. He was 92.Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in mourning Singh’s death. Taking to X, the prime minister said: “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”Federal Home Minister Amit Shah noted that Singh had played an important role in the governance of the country. “The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country. I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief,” Shah said in a post on X.Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid
