The recent visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata has sparked discussion among Church leaders and social groups in India.

Rubio, a Catholic, visited the Mother House and Nirmala Shishu Bhawan on May 23 along with his wife Jeanette and US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the two-hour visit, he met the sisters and spent time with elderly people, children, and the poor cared for by the congregation founded by Mother Teresa.

Church leaders in Kolkata welcomed the visit and described it as a strong message supporting religious freedom and Christian charitable work in India. Rubio reportedly praised Mother Teresa’s mission as “a living example of the Catholic faith in action.”

Some Christian leaders said the visit may also bring international attention to concerns surrounding proposed changes to India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which many Church groups fear could affect Christian institutions and charities receiving foreign support.

In 2021, the Missionaries of Charity temporarily lost their FCRA licence before it was later restored following criticism from India and abroad. Christian leaders believe the proposed amendments could create further difficulties for faith-based organisations working among the poor.

At the same time, some observers felt the visit was largely symbolic and doubted whether issues concerning Christians in India were directly discussed with Indian leaders.

The visit has nevertheless attracted national attention, with supporters viewing it as recognition of Mother Teresa’s continuing legacy of compassion and service to the poor.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Council for Women has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sr. Lilly Francis, a well-known advocate for women’s empowerment in the Church and society. She passed away in Nagpur on May 23 at the age of 76.

Sr. Lilly Francis belonged to the Sisters of Mary Mediatrix Immaculate (SMMI) congregation. She served as Executive Secretary of the CBCI Council for Women from 2004 to 2011 and played an important role in developing the CBCI Gender Policy. She also served as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Women of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) from 2017 to 2018.

Church leaders remembered her as a visionary leader who worked tirelessly for the dignity, leadership, and participation of women in both Church and society. Through seminars, writings, and training programmes, she inspired thousands of women religious and lay faithful across India.

Born in Kerala in 1949, Sr. Lilly studied social work, law, and theology in India and abroad. She also served in Latin America for three years, working among poor and marginalised communities.

In Nagpur, she founded the Vishwodaya Institute of Social Work and Women Development, where she promoted counselling, women’s leadership, and social awareness. She also worked in prison ministry, pastoral counselling, and interreligious dialogue.

A respected writer and speaker, she authored several books on women’s empowerment and gender justice.

The CBCI described her as a trailblazer whose life reflected faith, justice, simplicity, and dedicated service to society.

The Catholic Church has declared Salesian missionary Fr. Costantino Vendrame as “Venerable,” recognising his heroic virtues and lifelong service to the poor and the Church in India. Pope Leo XIV approved the decree on May 22, marking the second step in the Catholic canonisation process.

Fr. Vendrame was an Italian missionary who spent nearly 30 years serving in northeastern India, especially in Assam and Meghalaya. Known for his deep faith and compassion, he travelled on foot to remote villages, bringing education, care, and the message of the Gospel to poor and neglected communities.

Church leaders described him as a “missionary of hope” who touched the lives of people across different faiths. Many respected him not only as a priest but also as a humble servant of humanity.

Born in Treviso, Italy, Fr. Vendrame joined the Salesians with a strong desire to become a missionary. He was ordained a priest in 1924 and arrived in Shillong later that same year. He later served in Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.

During World War II, British authorities imprisoned him because he was Italian. Despite hardship, illness, and severe pain caused by osteoarthritis, he continued his mission with courage and dedication.

Fr. Vendrame died on January 30, 1957, in Dibrugarh, Assam, at the age of 63.

The Salesian community welcomed the declaration with joy, saying his life remains an inspiration of faith, sacrifice, and service. Many faithful now pray that his journey toward sainthood will continue in the years ahead.

The Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM) has strongly condemned the killing of three Kuki Church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district and called for peace and reconciliation amid continuing ethnic tensions in the state.

The attack took place on May 13 when armed men reportedly ambushed a group of community leaders. Besides the three deaths, four others were seriously injured in the incident. The violence has increased concerns about the safety of minority communities in conflict-affected areas of Manipur.

In a public statement, ICWM described the killings as a “gruesome incident” and warned that the situation in Manipur remains deeply troubling. The organisation noted that the violence comes against the background of ethnic unrest that has continued in the state since May 2023.

ICWM leaders Susan Thomas and Raynah Marise expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. They said the movement stands with all those suffering because of violence and insecurity in the region.

The organisation appealed to communities not to respond with revenge or further violence. Instead, it encouraged dialogue and reconciliation between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities. According to the statement, peace can grow only when people respect differences and see one another as brothers and sisters rather than enemies.

ICWM also urged government authorities and civil society groups to work together to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.

The statement concluded with a call for people to become “sowers of peace” and to promote understanding among different ethnic and religious groups in Manipur.

Jesus Youth members across India celebrated Recommitment Day on Pentecost Sunday with prayer, reflection, and a renewed dedication to Christian mission and service.

The celebration took place in more than 20 regions across the country, bringing together regional leaders, animators, ministry coordinators, and thousands of members of the Catholic movement. The nationwide observance highlighted the unity and growing presence of the Jesus Youth movement in India.

Pentecost Sunday was chosen for the celebration because it marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Inspired by this event, participants gathered to seek spiritual renewal and recommit themselves to a life of holiness, discipleship, and evangelisation.

The programme followed a specially prepared liturgy that combined Catholic traditions with the spirituality of the Jesus Youth movement. The Holy Eucharist was the central part of the celebration, reminding members of the importance of prayer and the sacraments in Christian life.

The gathering also included Bible reflection, worship, and group sharing sessions. Participants reflected on their spiritual journey and renewed their commitment to the “Six Pillars” of Jesus Youth — daily prayer, reading the Word of God, sacraments, fellowship, spreading the good word, and care for the poor.

Leaders of the movement also took part in a special recommitment ceremony, promising deeper dedication and servant leadership in their ministries. Participants described the day as spiritually enriching and inspiring. Organisers said the celebration aimed to strengthen the faith of young Catholics and encourage them to become courageous witnesses of Christ and instruments of hope in society.

New Delhi, May 19, 2026: The CBCI Office for SC/BC held a two-day consultation and planning meeting in New Delhi on May 14 and 15 to strengthen legal and social efforts for the empowerment of Dalit Christians across India.

The meeting brought together newly appointed office bearers, bishops, legal experts, and social leaders to review the long-pending Supreme Court case related to Dalit Christian rights and discuss future strategies for advocacy and development.

Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera of Eluru, Chairman of the CBCI Office for SC/BC, along with Bishop Peter Rumal Kharadi of Jhabua and Auxiliary Bishop Geevarghese Mar Aprem of Kottayam, visited the national office to better understand the challenges faced by Dalit Christians.

A major part of the meeting focused on the legal battle currently pending before the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan briefed participants on the status of the case and recent legal developments. Advocates handling the matter also explained the impact of recent court judgments and their connection to the ongoing case.

Judge Ramulu Dunna from Andhra Pradesh presented a detailed study on the issue and suggested steps to strengthen the Commission’s future work. These included forming a legal cell with dedicated advocates and building stronger public and political support for Dalit Christian concerns.

Church leaders stressed the need for focused action in education, employment, and social empowerment. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to coordinated legal advocacy and stronger support for marginalized communities across the country.

The National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) was officially launched during the Fourth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting held at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

The new federation was formed as a united platform for Churches in India to respond together to the growing challenges faced by the Christian community. Church leaders expressed concern over attacks on pastors and faithful, anti-conversion laws in some states, and issues related to Church properties and financial regulations.

After nearly two years of discussions and planning, the guidelines for the new federation were approved and adopted during the meeting, leading to its formal launch.

The NFCI will serve as a national ecumenical body and umbrella organisation for Christians in India. Its main goal is to promote visible unity among Churches while respecting the traditions, identities, and structures of different denominations. It will also address common concerns affecting Christian communities across the country.

Around 45 Church leaders, including bishops, archbishops, and heads of Churches from different denominations, attended the meeting.

The gathering began with a prayer service for Christian unity. Church leaders highlighted the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and collective action in facing present challenges.

During the meeting, leadership elections were also held. Cardinal Anthony Poola was elected Chairman of the NFCI. Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, and Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar were selected as conveners.

The launch ended with a prayer of dedication and blessing.

Church leaders described the formation of the NFCI as a historic step towards stronger Christian unity, fellowship, and coordinated action in India.