While Manipur Burns

While Manipur Burns

To say that ‘Manipur is burning’ is not merely a gross understatement, but belies the terrible reality which has gripped the tiny State in North-East India since the third of May, writes Peace Activist Cedric Prakash SJ: For almost fifty days now, Manipur has been experiencing unprecedented violence and mayhem; more than one hundred people […]

India’s First Catholic Saint and Martyr: Gonsalo Garcia

India’s First Catholic Saint and Martyr: Gonsalo Garcia

Gonsalo Garcia is a name that may not be familiar to many people, but his legacy as the first Indian Catholic missionary to be martyred in Japan is one of great significance. He born on Feb. 5, 1556 in Agashi village in western India’s Vasai (formerly Bassein) area. His father was a Portuguese soldier stationed […]

CRIMES and COMPLICITY!

CRIMES and COMPLICITY!

In this opinion piece, Fr Cedric Prakash SJ touches upon several events that have occurred in the first two weeks of May, most disturbingly the violence in Manipur, also asking some searching questoins The first eleven days of May 2023 have, in many ways, been a defining period of Indian history. Plenty has happened in […]

At 96, She battles Abortion and affirms Life!

At 96, She battles Abortion and affirms Life!

St. Catherine’s Home and Orphanage in Bombay (Mumbai) has been caring for single mothers and abused girls for almost a hundred years. Since 1927 the Daughters of the Cross, a Catholic Religious Congregation, have run the home. St. Catherine’s doors are open for abused girls entrusted to them by police and social services. This year […]

In Pakistan, Iftar Dinner and Lenten Charity

In Pakistan, Iftar Dinner and Lenten Charity

In the midst of political and social turmoil in neighbouring Pakistan, from the town of Faisalabad comes a ray of hope.  With Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, and the season of Lent overlapping, Christians and Muslims have been provided a special opportunity to come together this year in Pakistan. Every year,  the Catholic Diocese of […]

Buxar awaits its Third Bishop

Buxar awaits  its Third Bishop

On Saturday 25 March, the small Catholic Community of Buxar will witness the installation of their new Bishop, Most Reverend James Shekhar. The diocese was being administered by Archbishop Emeritus William D’Souza from 2020. The diocese was erected in 2005. His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the 55 year old Fr. James Shekhar as new Bishop […]

Selling One’s Soul!

Selling One’s Soul!

In this hard hitting reflection, Cedric Prakash discusses ‘The betrayal of Christ and Constitution‘.  For the past couple of days, electronic and print mainstream media in the country, have been highlighting the public ‘promise’ made by the Archbishop of Tellicherry.  During a  protest rally of some Catholic rubber farmers  he offered to help the BJP […]

There is absolutely no alternative to a Secular India

There is absolutely no alternative to a Secular India

In a hard-hitting article in the Shillong Times, Salesian priest, Albert Thyrniang, protested the attempts to “Christianize” the swearing-in ceremonies of Meghalaya and Nagaland governments. Such ceremonies, he points out, leaves us with ‘no more right to protest against saffronization and majoritarianism’. “Do not pray to be seen by people… But when you pray, go […]

India Cries for Justice, Is Anyone listening?

India Cries for Justice, Is Anyone listening?

In India, the cries for justice, are becoming louder and longer! They come from different segments of society and particularly from those who continue to be exploited and excluded! These cries are heart-rending: anyone with an iota of conscience will hear them! The sad and tragic reality is that these cries will remain unheard; those […]

Nicaragua frees 200 political prisoners, sends them to USA

Nicaragua frees 200 political prisoners, sends them to USA

It was great news for the loved ones of 222 political prisoners, who were freed by Nicaragua’s authoritarian government on Thursday (February 9). Among them were some of the top opposition politicians and business leaders. They were sent to the United States in a surprise operation. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega does not take kindly to […]

Fr James Shekhar New Bishop of Buxar

Bangalore 4 February 2023 (CCBI): His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Fr. James Shekhar (55) as new Bishop of Buxar, Bihar. says a message from Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara Deputy Secretary General, CCBI This appointment was made public on Saturday, 4 February, 2023. Fr. James Shekhar was born on 23 September 1967 in Singamparai (Tamil […]