New Delhi, 28 August 2025, CBCI: His Beatitude Mar
Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, with the assent
of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal as the
new Metropolitan Archbishop of the Eparchy of Kalyan. He has been serving as the
Curia Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Church.<o:p></o:p>

Born on 29 March 1967 at Nirmalagiri in the Eparchy of
Kanjirapally, Archbishop-designate Vaniyapurackal joined the minor seminary of
Kanjirapally in 1982. He completed his philosophical and theological studies at
St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, and was ordained a priest on 30
December 1992. His early pastoral ministry included service as Assistant Parish
Priest at St. George’s Forane Church, Kattappana, and later as Director of
Yuvadeepti, Kanjirapally, in 1995.<o:p></o:p>

In 2000, he pursued higher studies in Rome, earning a
Doctorate in Canon Law from the Holy Cross University. On his return, he served
as Judicial Vicar of the Eparchy of Kanjirapally, Parish Priest in various
parishes, and Defender of the Bond at the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal
Tribunal. He also taught at several seminaries and theological institutes.<o:p></o:p>

In 2014, he was appointed Vice Chancellor of the Major
Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church. In 2017, he was elected the
second Curia Bishop of the Church and consecrated on 12 November the same year
with the titular See of Troina. Presently, he is a judge of the Synodal
Tribunal, Chairman of the Search Committee for the selection of teaching staff
at Synodal Major Seminaries, President of the Syro-Malabar Dalit Vikas Society,
and Vice Chairman of the KCBC SC/ST/BC Commission.<o:p></o:p>

Archbishop-designate Vaniyapurackal is fluent in Malayalam,
English, Italian, and German, and brings with him a rich background in pastoral
ministry, canon law, and Church governance.<o:p></o:p>

Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal Appointed New Metropolitan Archbishop of Kalyan

New Delhi, 28 August 2025, CBCI: His Beatitude Mar
Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, with the assent
of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Rev. Fr. James Patteril CMF as the
new Bishop of the Eparchy of Belthangady. He has been serving as the Provincial
Procurator of the Würzburg CMF Province in Germany.<o:p></o:p>

Born on 27 July 1962 in Mangalore to Mr. Abraham and Mrs.
Rosamma Patteril, Fr. Patteril hails from St. Mary’s Church, Battiyal, in the
Eparchy of Belthangady. He has four brothers and two sisters. After completing
his schooling, he joined Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad, for priestly formation.
He pursued philosophy and theology at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute,
Bangalore, making his First Profession on 12 June 1982 and Final Profession on
12 June 1988. He was ordained a priest on 26 April 1990.<o:p></o:p>

Fr. Patteril holds a Bachelor’s degree from Christ
University, Bangalore, and has undertaken research studies in Pastoral Theology
at the Pastoral Theological Institute, Freiburg, Germany. He has served as
assistant parish priest in Udane and Shirady parishes in Belthangady and later
ministered to the Syro-Malabar community in Würzburg, Germany.<o:p></o:p>

Fluent in Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, English, and German, Fr.
Patteril brings with him rich pastoral, academic, and administrative experience
to his new mission as shepherd of the Belthangady Eparchy.<o:p></o:p>

Rev. Fr. James Patteril CMF Appointed New Bishop of Belthangady

New Delhi, 28 August 2025, CBCI: His Beatitude Mar Raphael
Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, with the assent of His
Holiness Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Rev. Fr. Joseph Thachaparambath CMI as the
new Bishop of the Eparchy of Adilabad. He has been serving as the Provincial
Superior of the CMI Mar Thoma Province, Chanda.<o:p></o:p>

Born on 24 February 1969 at Nalumukku, Nazareth Valley in
Idukki district, Fr. Thachaparambath joined the minor seminary of the
then-undivided Mar Thoma Province of Chanda in 1985 and made his first
profession in 1989. He completed his philosophical and theological studies at
Darsana Institute of Philosophy and Dharmaram College, Bangalore, and was
ordained a priest on 4 January 1997 by Bishop Mar Vijay Anand Nedumpuram CMI.<o:p></o:p>

Over the years, he has served in multiple roles: parish
priest in Chanda (1998–2002), Finance Officer of the CMI Mar Thoma Province
(2008–2011), and Finance Officer of the Eparchy of Adilabad (2005–2008 and
2017–2023). He has also contributed significantly to the educational apostolate
of the Province.<o:p></o:p>

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Sunrise University, Rajasthan,
Fr. Thachaparambath holds B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees. He is proficient in
Malayalam, Telugu, and English.<o:p></o:p>

Rev. Fr. Joseph Thachaparambath CMI Appointed New Bishop of Adilabad

New Delhi, 28 August 2025, CBCI: The Dicastery for
the Eastern Churches, through a communiqué from the Apostolic Nunciature, has
confirmed the erection of four new ecclesiastical provinces in the Syro-Malabar
Church. <o:p></o:p>

The Province of Faridabad will have Bijnor and Gorakhpur as
its suffragan eparchies. The Province of Kalyan will include Chanda and Rajkot
as suffragan eparchies. The Province of Shamshabad will have Adilabad as its
suffragan eparchy, while the Province of Ujjain will comprise Jagdalpur, Sagar,
and Satna as suffragan eparchies.<o:p></o:p>

This development marks a significant milestone in the growth
of the Syro-Malabar Church, enabling more effective pastoral care and ecclesial
coordination across India.<o:p></o:p>

Syro-Malabar Church Erects Four New Provinces: Faridabad, Ujjain, Shamshabad, Kalyan  in India

New Delhi, August 25, 2025, CBCI: &nbsp;The Workers India Federation (WIF), the
National Workers’ Organisation of the Catholic Church in India, has strongly
urged the Central Government to introduce a special Labour Code – a fifth code
– exclusively for India’s unorganised workers, that represents nearly 94% of
the country’s workforce. This demand was the central highlight of the WIF
National Assembly, held at the Pastoral Centre, Bhopal, from August 22–24, 2025.
It is seen that while subsuming 29 labour acts into four labour codes, the
rights for legal protection and social security of the informal workers was
almost ignored. In order to distribute the fruits of development in the nation
equitably to all sections of the people in the Nation, enactment of a special
labour code for the unorganised workers is unavoidable. The Annual General Body
Meeting of WIF petitioned the Union Government to enact fifth labour code for
unorganised workers as early as possible, before notifying the existing four
labour codes. <o:p></o:p>

The assembly was inaugurated by Most
Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Labour, the Bishop
of Kannur who underlined that only a distinct law can guarantee social security
and welfare for the unorganised workers. The keynote address was delivered by
Most Rev. A.A.S. Durairaj, Archbishop of Bhopal and Regional Chairman of the MP
Bishops’ Council.<o:p></o:p>

The sessions emphasized that job
security, stable employment and strong social and economic safeguards should be
assured for unorganised workers, who are regularly excluded from mainstream
legal and welfare protections. As a major outcome, WIF announced the immediate
launch of a dedicated forum – “WIF forum for Women Unorganised Workers”, to
empower women labourers by providing them with a platform to voice concerns,
access support, and drive positive change.<o:p></o:p>

More than 100 delegates from across
the fourteen regions all over India participated in the Assembly. The
deliberations were presided over by WIF National President Antony Selvanathan,
while Rev. Fr. George Nirappukalayil, WIF Director and National Secretary, CBCI
Office for Labour, presented the annual activity report.<o:p></o:p>

Thematic sessions on workers’ rights,
social protection, and organisational strategies were addressed by Mr. Joy
Gothuruth, Mr. Joseph Jude, and Mr. Sebastian Palamparambil. Other speakers
included Fr. Shinto Abraham (Director, MP Region), Sameer Lakra (National General
Secretary), Dr. Hemant Kumar (National Treasurer), Sr. Adv. &nbsp;Jasmine Jose (National Coordinator), Priti
Rose Kullu (National Secretary), Feliza Goes (National EXCO Member), Sr. Christy
(National Domestic Workers Movement), Paschal Raphael (President, MP) Joseph Varghese
(Secretary MP), and Ajit Digal.<o:p></o:p>

The programmes and logistics were
successfully coordinated by the regional leadership of WIF–Madhya Pradesh,
ensuring wide participation and fruitful discussions.<o:p></o:p>

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:
minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;;
mso-font-kerning:0pt;mso-ligatures:none;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:ML">By Fr. George Thomas&nbsp;

Enactment of Fifth Labour code, exclusively for unorganised workers, is the need of time- Workers India Federation 

New Delhi, August 21, 2025, CBCI: Archbishop Andrews
Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), has
issued a heartfelt appeal to all members of the Church in India - bishops,
clergy, religious, laity - and to all people of goodwill, to dedicate Friday,
August 22, 2025, the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to
prayer and fasting for world peace.<o:p></o:p>

Responding to the solemn invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo
XIV, who has called upon the Universal Church to observe this feast day with
prayer, fasting, and penance, Archbishop Thazhath urged the Church in India to
join wholeheartedly in this worldwide spiritual effort. “Our world is currently
grappling with the devastating effects of war, violence, and hatred. The cries
of the poor and the innocent rise unceasingly,” he said, appealing to the
faithful to implore God for peace and for the enlightenment of world leaders.<o:p></o:p>

He requested that every parish and religious community
arrange at least one hour of Eucharistic Adoration with the specific intention
of praying for reconciliation among nations. He further encouraged families to
come together in prayer, especially by reciting the Holy Rosary, placing their
hope in the powerful intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace.<o:p></o:p>

Archbishop Thazhath stressed that this day should be
observed as a solemn occasion of prayer and fasting throughout India. “Let us
unite our prayers and sacrifices, making our collective plea for peace a
powerful testament of our faith,” he said. “Confident in the maternal
intercession of Mary, our Queen of Peace, let us trust that God will bring an
end to conflict and lead humanity to justice and harmony.”<o:p></o:p>

The appeal concluded with a fervent invocation: “Queen of
Peace, intercede for us and for the world!”<o:p></o:p>

CBCI President Calls for Prayer and Fasting for Peace on the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

New Delhi, 20 August 2025, CBCI: Pope Leo XIV invites the
faithful to unite in prayer and fasting on 22 August for peace, and calls for a
"disarmed and disarming peace" in all places torn by armed conflict.<o:p></o:p>

Addressing the faithful gathered in the Paul VI Hall for his
weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts once more to the
world’s many conflict zones.<o:p></o:p>

In recalling the upcoming liturgical commemoration of the
Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on Friday, 22 August,
the Pope invited the faithful to celebrate that day by praying and fasting for
peace.<o:p></o:p>

“Mary is the Mother of the faithful here on earth and is
remembered as the Queen of Peace,” the Pope said.<o:p></o:p>

As our world continues to be wounded by wars - in the Holy
Land, in Ukraine, and in other parts of the world -&nbsp; the Pope invited all
the faithful to take part in "a day of prayer and fasting" for all
those who suffer because of war, "imploring the Lord to grant us peace and
justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of ongoing
armed conflicts."<o:p></o:p>

"May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples
may find the path of peace," he added.<o:p></o:p>

Pope Leo also greeted Polish-speaking faithful making a
pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa at Jasna Góra, who were
attending the audience.<o:p></o:p>

“I ask you", he said, "to include in your
intentions the supplication for the gift of peace – a peace that is disarmed
and disarming – for the whole world, especially for Ukraine and the Middle
East."<o:p></o:p>

News Courtesy: Vatican News&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Pope Leo Calls for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on 22 August

New Delhi, 19 August 2025, CBCI: NISCORT Media College
inaugurated its academic session 2025-2026 with an Orientation Day that blended
tradition, academic purpose, and sense of togetherness, formally welcoming the
new batch of students while celebrating the achievements of the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

Established and managed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of India (CBCI), NISCORT Media College functions under the chairmanship of Most
Rev. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary.<o:p></o:p>

The event began with a prayer song by students, followed by
the lighting of the lamp. The Chief Guest, Most Rev. Bhaskar Jesuraj, Bishop of
Meerut and Governing Body Member of NISCORT, addressed the students with an
inspiring message. He urged them to strive for academic and professional
excellence in media and communication while upholding ethical and moral values.
Stressing the role of media in promoting peace, he highlighted that technology,
especially artificial intelligence, should enhance humanism and foster healthy
human relationships. He reminded the students that credibility, compassion, and
integrity remain the cornerstones of meaningful storytelling and responsible
journalism.<o:p></o:p>

Rev. Fr. Robinson Rodrigues, Director of NISCORT and PRO,
CBCI, emphasized the institution’s mission to produce media professionals
committed to nation-building. He cautioned against sensationalism in
journalism, noting that media should not create “conflicts” merely to boost
TRPs.<o:p></o:p>

Principal Dr. Ritu Dubey Tiwari encouraged students to take
full advantage of NISCORT’s academic environment for their future careers,
while Assistant Professor Dr. Sr. Michelle Mathias led the Certificate
Distribution Ceremony recognizing outstanding student achievements in academics
and co-curricular activities for 2024-2025.<o:p></o:p>

The ceremony also featured a welcome address by Ms. Amala
Chacko, Assistant Professor, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by
Ms. Kamakshi Thakur, Assistant Professor.<o:p></o:p>

The day ended on an upbeat note, with new students urged to
actively engage in NISCORT’s platforms for learning, collaboration, and
community engagement in the year ahead.<o:p></o:p>

Academic Session 2025-26 Inaugurated at NISCORT: Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj Urges Students to Harness Media for Peace and Humanism 

New Delhi, 19 August 2025, CBCI: Pope Leo made a private
pilgrimage on Tuesday to the historic Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, located in
the village of Guadagnolo, Capranica Prenestina, within the Diocese of
Palestrina.<o:p></o:p>

The Holy Father spent time in prayer at the Marian sanctuary
before spending time in conversation with the Polish Resurrectionist religious,
who are entrusted with the care of the shrine.<o:p></o:p>

Following his visit, Pope Leo returned to the papal summer
residence at Castel Gandolfo.<o:p></o:p>

Pope Leo XIV Visits Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Mentorella

New Delhi, 18 August 2025, CBCI: At 12 noon
today, on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Pope Leo XIV recited the Angelus
with the faithful and pilgrims gathered at Piazza della Libertà, in front of
the Apostolic Palace of the Pontifical Villas.<o:p></o:p>

Addressing the crowd, the Holy Father
expressed his closeness to the people of Pakistan, India, and Nepal, who have
been severely affected by violent floods. “I pray for the victims and their
families and for all who are suffering because of this disaster,” he said.<o:p></o:p>

The Pope also urged prayers for peace,
stressing the importance of prioritizing the common good in negotiations: “Let
us pray that efforts to end wars and promote peace will be successful; that, in
negotiations, the common good of peoples will always come first.”<o:p></o:p>

Pope Leo XIV Prays for Flood Victims in India, Pakistan, and Nepal During Angelus

New Delhi, 18 August 2025, CBCI: The second session of the
33rd Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church commenced
on Monday at Mount St. Thomas, the Church’s headquarters. The session opened
with meditations led by Mar Alex Tharamangalam, Auxiliary Bishop of
Mananthavady, followed by the concelebration of the Holy Qurbana, presided over
by the Major Archbishop. At 2:30 p.m., Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil,
Father and Head of the Syro-Malabar Church, officially inaugurated the
gathering by lighting the ceremonial lamp. A total of 52 Bishops, including
those serving in India and abroad as well as retired prelates, are taking part
in the session.<o:p></o:p>

Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil began his inaugural
address by welcoming the Synod Fathers to a genuine experience of episcopal
communion in the unity of the Holy Spirit. In the context of India’s 79th
Independence Day celebrations, the Major Archbishop recalled the nation’s
progress in modern times, the persecution faced by religious minorities
especially Christians in independent India, and the injustices endured by nuns
in the Chhattisgarh. He strongly condemned the growing attacks by communal forces
against Christians across the country. The Major Archbishop assured persecuted
church communities and individuals in different parts of India that they are
not alone and that the Church will always stand with them. He reminded the
Bishops that we should never retreat from the evangelizing mission in the face
of crises. Instead, he called on the Synod Fathers to overcome all shortcomings
in the Church’s mission of evangelization and move forward, praying that we may
experience true and complete freedom by surrendering ourselves fully to the
will of God, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was assumed into heaven.<o:p></o:p>

The Major Archbishop also reminded the Bishops that these
are days calling for deep reflection on the changes and reforms needed in the
pastoral style and arrangements of the Church. Expressing hope that this Synod
session will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the urgent steps required to
embody the ecumenical spirit of the Church in all its dimensions, within its
life and activities. He also urged the Synod Fathers to ensure an open and
generous approach in all areas of Pastoral ministry conducive to this vision.
Recalling the exemplary ministry of the Bishops who are celebrating the
jubilees of their Priesthood and Episcopacy, the Major Archbishop congratulated
them and expressed the Church’s deep gratitude for their dedicated service. The
Synod will conclude on Friday, August 29.<o:p></o:p>

Do Not Be Discouraged in the Face of Crises: Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil at Syro-Malabar Synod

New Delhi, 17 August 2025, CBCI: The Agra
Regional Catholic Council (ARCC) held its General Body Meeting at Navintha
Pastoral Centre, Lucknow, on August 16–17, 2025.<o:p></o:p>

ARCC, the regional unit of the Catholic
Council of India (CCI), represents laity, clergy, and bishops across India,
working for the renewal and updating of the Church in the light of the current
socio-political and religious scenario. A total of 61 delegates participated in
the Study Day and General Body Meeting, including two bishops, 14 priests,
seven sisters, and 38 lay faithful.<o:p></o:p>

The two-day meeting was chaired by Most
Rev. Dr. Raphy Manjaly, President of ARCC, with Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John
Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow, gracing the gathering.<o:p></o:p>

On the first day, resource person Mr. Ajin
Joseph led a session on the theme “Identity &amp; Mission of Christian
Families in These Challenging Times.” He emphasized that Scripture,
Tradition, and the Magisterium are the three sources of Divine Revelation.
Quoting Sr. Lucia of Fatima, he warned: “The last battle will be fought
against marriages and families.”<o:p></o:p>

Mr. Ajin highlighted the dangers posed by
practices such as abortion, contraception, IVF, premarital sex, and
pornography, urging Catholics to become ambassadors in defending the Church’s
teaching on family and marriage. He cautioned that if these sinful perversions
continue to soar, families and marriages risk collapsing in society.<o:p></o:p>

Following group discussions, ARCC members
pledged to take effective steps to spread awareness about the immorality of
such practices. The day concluded with the Drafting Committee presenting a
Final Statement of Action.<o:p></o:p>

The second day began with Archbishop Raphy
Manjaly recapping the previous day’s sessions and introducing the agenda for
the day. Mr. Simon Peter presented the minutes and report of the previous ARCC
meeting held in Agra on September 2–3, 2023, which were approved without major
amendments. Diocesan ARCC secretaries also presented their respective reports.<o:p></o:p>

After a short break, elections for the new
office bearers of ARCC were conducted under the guidance of the Chairman.<o:p></o:p>

By Rev. Fr. Saji Palamattom <o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Agra Regional Catholic Council Holds General Body Meeting in Lucknow

New Delhi, 18 August 2025, CBCI: The
National Conference of Catholic Enquiry Centres India (ACECI) was held at
Paalana Bhavana, Bangalore, on 16–17 August, bringing together around 70
participants, including clergy, religious, and laity, for reflection, learning,
and collaboration.<o:p></o:p>

The conference opened with the Holy Mass
and featured thought-provoking sessions led by Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph,
Rev. Fr. Norbert Herman SVD, ACECI President Delhi, Rev. Fr. Paul D’Souza, Mr.
Sumit Dhanraj, Rev. Fr. Maxim Dias, and Mr. Antony Joseph. Key themes included
digital evangelization, overcoming fear in proclaiming the Gospel, and
strategies for reaching the unreached.<o:p></o:p>

On the second day, His Grace Most Rev.
Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, celebrated the Holy Mass and, in his
homily, emphasized the enduring importance of keeping alive the “fire of love”
in today’s times.<o:p></o:p>

The conference concluded with a panel
discussion that explored new pathways for the growth and development of the
Catholic Enquiry Centre Ministry. Participants reaffirmed the urgency of
embracing innovative tools, fostering youth involvement, and strengthening
collaboration to build a vibrant, inclusive, and mission-driven CEC Ministry
for the future.<o:p></o:p>

By Dr Norbert Herman SVD<o:p></o:p>

National Conference of Catholic Enquiry Centres India Emphasizes Digital Evangelization and Missionary Outreach

New Delhi, 16 August 2025, CBCI: Kolbe Home, Bengaluru – a sanctuary of hope for children of prisoners and those in distress – celebrated its 10th anniversary with thanksgiving, cultural events, and renewed commitment to its mission. The celebrations were presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, who led the solemn Thanksgiving Holy Mass and the public gathering that followed.<o:p></o:p>In his homily, Bishop Susainathan described Kolbe Home’s mission as a “living witness to God’s healing love,” praising the selfless dedication of caregivers and Prison Ministry India (PMI) volunteers as “true instruments of Christ’s compassion to the little ones who suffer in silence.”<o:p></o:p>The programme included a Eucharistic celebration, a cultural performance by children of Kolbe Home, Premodaya, and Jeevodaya, followed by a fellowship meal. Rev. Dr. Francis Kodiyan MCBS, CBCI Secretary to Prison Ministry India, welcomed the gathering and honoured the founders, benefactors, and volunteers who laid the foundation of Kolbe Home.<o:p></o:p>During the event, Bishop Susainathan released two books – My Journey with Brethren Behind Bars&nbsp;by Sr Adele Korah and Van Thuan Home&nbsp;by Sr Santan Nago FS. Fr Cyril O de M, in his vote of thanks, recalled the pioneering vision of Fr Sebastian Vadakumpadan, along with the blessings and support of late Archbishops Bernard Moras and Peter Remigius. Named after St. Maximilian Kolbe, the home began with six children and has since sheltered more than 100, currently housing 18 residents with holistic care in education, formation, healing, and life skills.<o:p></o:p>In the afternoon, Bishop Susainathan inaugurated the PMI Studio at the Prison Ministry India National Office, Carmelaram. The modern media hub is envisioned as a platform for digital evangelisation, offering awareness, advocacy, formation programmes, and prayer initiatives to strengthen the mission of prison ministry across India.<o:p></o:p>The anniversary coincided with Prison Ministry Sunday (August 10), observed across the Catholic Church in India with the theme “Fallen Humans May Rise Again on Wings of Prayer.”&nbsp;In his pastoral message, Mar Jose Pulickal, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Prison Ministry, urged the faithful to intensify prayers and acts of mercy for prisoners, echoing Jesus’ words: “I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36).<o:p></o:p>As PMI celebrates this milestone, it recommits to bringing Christ’s light into prisons, restoring dignity to the forgotten, and walking alongside prisoners and their families on the path of healing and hope.<o:p></o:p>

Kolbe Home Marks 10 Years of Service to Prisoners’ Children; PMI Studio Inaugurated for Digital Evangelization

New Delhi, 15 August 2025, CBCI: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
has appointed Rt. Rev. Francis Serrao SJ, presently Bishop of Shimoga, as the
new Bishop of the Diocese of Mysore.<o:p></o:p>

Bishop Francis Serrao was born on August 15, 1959, in
Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The youngest of 11 children,
his family is deeply rooted in religious life, with six siblings serving as
priests - two diocesan, two SVDs, and two Jesuits - and one sister a religious
nun.<o:p></o:p>

He joined the Society of Jesus on January 3, 1979, at Mount
St. Joseph, Bangalore, and was ordained a priest on April 30, 1992. He made his
perpetual profession for the Jesuit Province in Karnataka on May 1, 1999.<o:p></o:p>

Bishop Serrao earned his Master’s in Theology from
Vidyajyothi College of Theology, New Delhi. His pastoral ministry includes
extensive service among Dalits and tribals in Anekal (Bangalore Archdiocese)
and Mundgod (Karwar Diocese) mission stations. He has also taught theology to
Jesuit seminarians and served as Rector of the 136-year-old St. Aloysius
College in Mangalore.<o:p></o:p>

From 2009 to 2014, he served as Superior of the Karnataka
Jesuit Province. <o:p></o:p>

On March 19, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the
Diocese of Shimoga, where he was ordained on May 7, 2014, by Archbishop Most
Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, at Sacred Heart
Cathedral, Shimoga. Bishop Serrao’s pastoral motto is “Service of Faith,
Fullness of Life.”<o:p></o:p>

Pope Leo XIV Appoints Shimoga Bishop Francis Serrao SJ as New Bishop of Mysore

New Delhi, 8 August 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) has strongly condemned the mob attack on two
Catholic priests and a catechist in Jaleswar, Odisha, on 6 August, describing
it as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Christian minorities in
the country.<o:p></o:p>

According to reports, the incident occurred when Fr. Lijo,
Parish Priest of St. Thomas’ Church, Jaleswar, accompanied by another priest,
two nuns, and a catechist, was returning to the parish after celebrating a
requiem Mass in a nearby village. While the nuns were rescued by local women,
the priests and catechist were stopped, abused, manhandled, and accused of
religious conversion.<o:p></o:p>

Fr. Lijo’s mobile phone was allegedly seized and not
returned, while the catechist, identified as Mr. Durjyodhan, was brutally
beaten and had his motorcycle damaged. The mob, estimated at around 70 people,
reportedly included many outsiders.<o:p></o:p>

The CBCI termed the attack a blatant violation of
constitutional rights and human dignity, warning that the rising trend of mob
violence poses a serious threat to peaceful coexistence. The conference urged
the Odisha government to take swift action to identify and prosecute the
perpetrators and to ensure the safety of minority communities.<o:p></o:p>

Reaffirming its commitment to defend the rights and safety
of all citizens, especially the Christian community, the CBCI stated that it
will continue to monitor the situation closely.<o:p></o:p>

CBCI Strongly Condemns Mob Attack on Catholic Priests and Catechist in Odisha

New Delhi, August 7, 2025, CBCI: Thousands of people from
across the country are expected to gather in Bangalore on Saturday, August 9,
for the 4th National March for Life, a peaceful demonstration calling for an
end to abortion and the repeal of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)
Act.<o:p></o:p>

Organized by CHARIS India in association with the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and hosted by the Archdiocese of Bangalore,
the event will begin with a Holy Eucharist at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. It
will be followed by a public gathering, a life-themed exhibition, and a march
through the city.<o:p></o:p>

This year’s march marks 54 years since the MTP Act was
passed in 1971. Since then, the law has resulted in millions of abortions
across India. In 2015 alone, more than 15.6 million abortions were recorded - an
average of over 42,000 every day. Amendments made in 2021 now permit abortions
up to 24 weeks and beyond in certain cases, raising concerns over sex-selective
and disability-based abortions, as well as the growth of an underground
abortion industry.<o:p></o:p>

The March will include the participation of families,
doctors, clergy, youth, and women who have experienced the trauma of abortion.
The event aims to raise awareness about the impact of abortion in India and to
promote a society that supports and protects both mother and child.<o:p></o:p>

In a message that continues to inspire the movement, Saint
Mother Teresa of Kolkata once said that the greatest destroyer of peace today
is abortion, because it is a war against the child, and if a mother can kill
her own child, then what is left for you and me to kill each other. She also
said that any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love,
but to use any violence to get what they want.<o:p></o:p>

Now in its fourth year, the March for Life has grown
steadily, drawing increasing numbers of participants each year. Organizers hope
that this year’s event will send a clear and powerful message to both lawmakers
and society: India must protect every human life, from conception to natural
death.<o:p></o:p>

India’s 4th National March for Life to Take Place in Bangalore on August 9

New Delhi, 2 August 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) has welcomed with relief the grant of bail to Sr.
Preethi and Sr. Vandana by the NIA Court in Bilaspur. The two Catholic nuns,
who had been in custody, were released on Saturday - a development that has
brought a sense of hope to the Christian community across the country.<o:p></o:p>

The CBCI expressed gratitude to both the Government of India
and the Government of Chhattisgarh for their timely intervention and
cooperation in securing the bail. “We are grateful to the Government for the
support shown in this case. We hope this marks the beginning of renewed efforts
to protect the rights and dignity of all religious minorities in our secular
democracy,” stated Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI.<o:p></o:p>

While appreciating the government's responsiveness, the CBCI
also called for a stronger commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of
all minorities, especially the right to freedom of religion as enshrined in the
Indian Constitution.<o:p></o:p>

The Bishops’ Conference extended heartfelt thanks to the
Church in India - across all denominations - as well as political leaders,
civil society members, and citizens who stood in solidarity with the two nuns
during this challenging time.<o:p></o:p>

Referring to the specifics of the case, the CBCI noted that
the girls involved are already Christians and legally adults, and therefore,
demanded the immediate quashing of the case. The statement emphasized that such
proceedings are baseless and represent a growing trend of harassment targeting
religious sisters, clergy, and the laity.<o:p></o:p>

The CBCI further urged the government to take concrete
measures to curb the increasing incidents of intimidation and false accusations
against members of religious communities, especially those who have committed
themselves to selfless service across the nation.<o:p></o:p>

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice, and the rule
of law, the CBCI called upon all citizens of goodwill to continue standing
together in defense of constitutional values and in support of those who serve
society with dedication and love.<o:p></o:p>

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