Indian Church refuses to endorse political party in election
Assam Christians outraged by Hindu leader’s “divisive” remarks
Moral theologians address challenges in biomedical ethics in India
Persecution of Christians has worsened around the globe, according to new study
Pope to Cardinals-elect: Keep your eyes raised, your hands joined, your feet bare
Tribal Christians avoid travel fearing attack in India’s Manipur
Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore ‘has revived the faith of our people,’ cardinal says
Cardinal Dolan: Harris received ‘bad advice’ to skip Catholic charity dinner
Covid-19 pandemic is done and dusted. Seemingly. Though massive killer waves of the viral infection triggered by mutants seem to have abated, stray cases of the viral respiratory infection are still being reported, with negligible mortality though. ‘A cluster of highly infectious respiratory infection with high mortality’ was reported in China’s Wuhan Province in December 2019. Soon this strange infection, which the WHO baptized ‘Covid-19’, crossed the Great Wall, taking the world by storm. WHO declared it a pandemic. 704,753,890 were infected. 7,010,681 perished globally, as per statistics updated by WHO on April 13 this year. The wily virus which had scant respect for personalities, geographical regions, economic and military might of nations, colour and faith had the medical world scurrying to explore prevention and treatment. As treatment modalities emerged by fits and start mankind continued to be infected. Many perished falling to viral mutants that caused waves of the deadly infection. Livelihood and economies were wrecked. Clueless governments attempted to keep the virus away from citizens through lockdowns and the SMS protocol. Physicians considered prevention using vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the viral villain more fruitful than treatment. But, the gestation time for a vaccine to be developed and authorized for human use after mandatory phase III trials is 10 years. Governments could not wait for 10 years for vaccines when citizens were succumbing in
India is in the middle of a highly decisive election because many political observers are of the view that the future of Indian democracy hinges on the result of this election. To a democracy, periodic free and fair elections are like the soul to a human body. Elections once in five years are the most effective means to make the ruling party accountable to the people. It is an opportunity for the people to throw away the party in power, if they are not satisfied with the performance of the party. In a genuine and functioning democracy, there are many ways and means to make the ruling party transparent, accountable and participatory. A few of them are the law-making process, accountability to the parliament through question answer sessions, the process of passing the annual budget, censuring government through non-confidence motion, and criticism through the media, which is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy. Above an independent judiciary is there as a watchdog. Despite having many checks and balances to make the government accountable to the people, there is always a possibility of a democracy slipping into dictatorship. It happened in many countries in the past like Germany under Hitler and Italy under Mussolini. At present Russia is practically under dictatorship. Many Indians as well as some foreign observers fear that if the ruling BJP comes to power the third time, India will have only a name-sake democracy. Although the majority of the Church leaders are
Pope John Paul II, in his message for the World Day of Social Communications, envisioned the media as a powerful tool for promoting peace and understanding. He saw its potential to bridge cultural divides and foster empathy across borders. Today, in a world dominated by technology, this vision remains as relevant as ever. ‘Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom of the Heart: towards a fully human communication’ is the theme for 58th World Day of Social Communication. Wisdom of the heart is the virtue that allows us to integrate all aspects of our existence—the whole and its parts, our decisions and their consequences, our nobility and vulnerability. It bridges our individuality with our membership in a larger community. This wisdom anticipates those who desire it and seeks out those who are worthy of it (Wisdom 6:12-16). The rapid spread of innovations, often beyond our full understanding, excites and disorients us. Today, the world is at our fingertips. Communication is faster and more accessible than ever before. Yet, with this ease of connection comes a new challenge: what message are we sending? The paradox of the modern media landscape is undeniable. The very tools that connect us can also serve to divide. Digital platforms can become breeding grounds for hate speech, violence, and negativity. They exploit our vulnerabilities, feeding us a steady stream of instant gratification and manufactured outrage. In this whirlwind, critical thinking takes a backseat, replaced
Ever since the BJP came to power at the centre under the prime ministership of Narendra Modi, violent attacks by the Hindutva organizations on the Church personnel and institutions have been increasing. Even in the middle of elections to the Lok Sabha there is no respite from such attacks. The latest is the attack on St. Mother Theresa School managed by the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Telangana’s Mancherial district. Saffron clad Hindutva groups on April 16 damaged the school and assaulted the manager, a priest. Videos of the brutal attack were circulated on social media. The reason for the violent attack appears to be flimsy. The principal noticed two days back that some students had worn saffron attire to school. When he asked the students about this, they replied that they were observing Hanuman Deeksha, a 21-day ritual. The principal then asked them to bring their parents to school so that he can discuss the issue with them. The issue escalated when someone shared a video on social media and claimed that the principal was not allowing Hindu attire on campus. It resulted in mobs in saffron clothes rushing to the school and indulging in violence. Videos show the police struggling to control the mob. An NDTV report says a case has been registered against the school management for hurting the Hindu sentiments, but no mention about any case against the hooligans who destroyed the school property and attacked the principal, causing injuries to him.
The much-awaited Vatican Declaration on Human Dignity was issued on April 8 by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.While the instructions on sex and gender grabbed the headlines globally, the document has several aspects of human dignity that have focused on critically significant concerns that need greater attention and implementation.Besides an introductory ‘Presentation’ drafted by Cardinal Fernadez, the document consists of 66 numbered paragraphs as well as 116 footnotes which only illustrates how diverse sources enriched it. The writings and speeches of Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis are cited all along, apart from the other magisterial texts.The Prefect of DDF remarks that the Declaration has been in the making for at least five years, and it is out only after numerous consultations and drafts. The long process, in which several times Pope Francis got involved, ‘reflects the gravity and centrality of the theme of dignity in Christian thought,’ the cardinal noted.Happily, the publication of Dignitas Infinita (on Human Dignity) coincides with the 75th anniversary of ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights,’ issued by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.After explaining how Dignity is central to Christian thought and how the Church constantly strives to proclaim, promote and guarantee human dignity, it states that human dignity is the fountain from which rights and dut
