Articles
Pope Francis: A man of the moment, someone who gave the world so much
Opinion | Articles | Joseph M Thohrii | 25-Apr-2025
On the 13th March 2013, when the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel was seen, the faithful gathered in the Vatican square exclaimed in joy shouting, “Habemus Papam” meaning ‘We have a Pope’. And the man was none other than Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio,.....
Why Pope Francis couldn’t visit India
Opinion | Articles | Leivon Albert Lamkang | 24-Apr-2025
His presence here could have been a moment of healing and recognition. It would have signalled that religious pluralism is not just tolerated in India—it is honoured. In diplomacy, sometimes what doesn’t happen is as telling as what does. The recent news.....
After Francis, Who?
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai | 23-Apr-2025
Focus now shifted to the Camerlengo (the papal custodian till the election of the new pope). It was now his duty to follow the guidelines for the election of a new pope as specified in Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG), promulgated by Pope John Paul II on 2.....
The Messenger is Gone, but not the Message
Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan | 22-Apr-2025
After a very long period, God selected a modern, pro-poor Francis Assisi in the form of a pope to reform the church that was rusting. Definitely, he too had been seriously reflecting on the contrast between the wealthy Vatican and the acute poverty outsid.....
A day after He went, memories of Pope Francis come piercing with Realization
Opinion | Articles | James Pochury | 22-Apr-2025
The news broke quietly, like a whisper lost in the noise of our indifferent world: Pope Francis had passed away. For many, it was a passing headline. For those who understood what he represented, it was the end of an era. And for those of us shaped by rig.....
In Pope Francis’ death the world is orphaned!
Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash | 21-Apr-2025
In Pope Francis’ death the world is orphaned! In the death of Pope Francis, the world has lost one of the greatest personalities of modern times! We are saddened that he is no longer in our midst! He was truly a compassionate pastor with a warm, lovi.....
‘Transitus’ of Francis: End of an Era and a Great Legacy Pope Francis (1936-2025)
Opinion | Articles | George Plathottam | 21-Apr-2025
The world mourns for Pope Francis at his ‘transitus’, to use a word that is both rich in meaning and familiar to the Church and the Franciscan spiritual tradition to describe one’s passing. His death, no doubt, is the end of a remarkable era. He leaves b.....
The lament of Calvary this Lent!
Opinion | Articles | Vijayan MJ | 16-Apr-2025
Passion week is that time of the year when Christians all over the world remind themselves about the sufferings, anguish, pain and the bloody crucifixion that Jesus Christ took on himself, as part of his mission of emancipating the people and establishing.....
Denial of permission to CAAD is not just what meets the eye
Opinion | Articles | John S. Shilshi | 15-Apr-2025
In recent times, this country has been unfortunately witnessing increasing instances of injustice against the Christian community in different parts of the country. From physically attacking priests and nuns to harassment in different forms, Christians, p.....
From Fundamental Rights to Fundamental Duties: Christian Response to Crisis in India
Opinion | Articles | Acharyasri | 11-Apr-2025
In every Military Academy around the world, the one principle of war taught is ‘Offense is the best form of defense'. I have spent the best years of my life (from 24 years of age when I was Commissioned as a Pilot Officer with the Trophy for the 'Best O.....
Should we believe in Miracles?
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai | 11-Apr-2025
My wife and I were back from Sunday Mass. I was at my writing table while she was on the phone. I heard her say something about speaking in tongues, so I asked her whom she was talking to, as she is not the “charismatic” type. It was on old friend who.....
Changing the Religious and Cultural Landscape of the Northeast through Saffronization
Opinion | Articles | Pamreihor Khashimwo | 31-Mar-2025
Abstract The religious and cultural landscape of Northeast India has undergone significant transformations due to the increasing influence of Hindutva ideology, often referred to as Saffronisation. This process, driven by organisations affiliated with th.....
Fails, Ails & Travails
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai | 26-Mar-2025
These words are not just a rhyme; there is reason behind them – fails, ails and travails. I use them in the context of the church in India and more specifically the Catholic Church. Looking at its grandiose institutions, wealth and prestige one could wond.....
No Other Land
Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash | 11-Mar-2025
Many years ago, there was a popular American song which one gustily sang at camps, picnics and other get-togethers. Thanks to its very catchy tune, it was always a hit. The chorus of the lyrics went thus: “This land is your land, and this land is my land.....
Saluting Zakia Jafri: Remembering the Gujarat Carnage 2002
Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash | 05-Mar-2025
February will always be a painful month for some particularly the Jafri family: on 28 February 2002, Ehsan Jafri, a former Member of Parliament and an authentic and much-loved citizen of secular India was murdered; on 1 February 2025, his wife Zakiaben wa.....
Pope Francis is a Miracle
Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan | 04-Mar-2025
At the age of 88 pope Francis is battling with his life. The health complications he is facing are indeed of grave concern for the doctors. His critical condition has caused grief to not only the Catholics but also to all the people of this world. Pope.....
Penny for your Penance
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai | 04-Mar-2025
There are two common English phrases where the word “Penny” is used – “A Penny for your thoughts”, and “Going to spend a penny”. The first is obvious; the second means going to relieve one’s bladder. That could cost a penny in a British public convenience.....
Destroying Secularism
Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash | 06-Feb-2025
On 28 January 2025, the well-known Calcutta daily ‘The Telegraph’ carried an article entitled ‘Rub your eyes: Hindu Rashtra Constitution to be unveiled at Mahakumbh on Basant Panchami’. The seemingly innocuous inside-page article, speaks volumes not only .....
What is Education without Character?
Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan | 04-Feb-2025
I was deeply disturbed when I watched a video in WhatsApp sent to me by a Professor in Kerala. A Plus One student in a government higher secondary school at Anakkara in Palakkad, Kerala, issued a death threat to a teacher. The student's anger was sparked .....
Ecumenism is non-negotiable
Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai | 29-Jan-2025
Ecumenism is non-negotiable When we say that something is non-negotiable, we mean that it cannot be compromised or watered down. Its message and mission must be forthright, sincere and enduring. Ecumenism, commonly understood as Christian Unity, comes .....