North East Catholic Research Forum

The North East Catholic Research Forum extends a hearty congratulations to Rt. Rev. Dr. John Thomas, Bishop Emeritus of Itanagar, on his 50th anniversary of priesthood.    **//**    Hearty congratulations to Prof. David Syiemlien and Prof. R. Lalrawna on being honoured with the Padmashri Award for their contributions in the field of literature and education.

Latest from us

God's Name in the Bible

Opinion | People's Edit | Neli Linus |

1. YHWH or YAHWEH (also JHWH) This is the personal name of the God of Israel. The Name of God was revealed to Moses in the Book of Exodus (Ex 3:14). The term YHWH or JHWH became popular as Yahweh or Jehovah in popular translation. The pronunciation “Yahw.....

The Cancel Culture

Opinion | Articles | Victor Ferrao |

When dissent is silenced, minorities are almost erased; life is castrated and not allowed to bloom to freedom. We have stepped into what has been aptly named as cancel culture. Often cancel culture hides under the cover of a religion, tradition, nationali.....

Custodians of what Tradition?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

The magician was dressed in .flowing robes. He had his back to the audience. He claimed to be an alchemist that could change lead into gold – transubstantiation. In between his secret mumbo-jumbo he would suddenly turn around to face his audience, raise h.....

Covid-compelled Online Classes can only be a Supplement, not a Substitute

Opinion | Articles | Joseph M Thohrii |

The 21st century is an era of digital transformation, a change that would remain in our activities of learning and pursuit of knowledge. The digital transformation brings unparalleled change to the growth of communication and development. It is believed t.....

Christ King Parish, Kohima: A stepping Stone for growth of Catholic Church in Nagaland

Opinion | People's Edit | Benjamin Chang |

The origin of the Christ King Parish can be trace back to the arrival of Salesian missionary Mgr. Emmanualel Bars SDB to Kohima. At the request of the then Governor of Assam, Sir Akbar Hydari to Bishop Stephen Ferrando, he arrived on 29th December 1948, a.....

The Khangkhui Mangsor cave of Ukhrul

Current Updates | Culture | TS Shimreingam Angelus |

Khangkhui Mangsor Cave is one of the first known caves in Tangkhul area, located between Khangkhui and Nungshong villages. During the World War II, it served as a refugee camp, as it was in the midst of a thick jungle (in those days), with hardly any acce.....

The Success story of Awungshi Shimray Augustina Sanyaola

Opinion | Articles | Philip Lyngdoh |

Augustina Sanyaola: From Diamond selling to Apple growing

The Success story of Awungshi Shimray Augustina Sanyaola From diamond seller to apple farmer, Awungshi Shimray Augustina Sanyaola has come a long way. Her story is one of hope for those who want to convert their passion and dream into a real enterprise. .....

Catholic education in India: Is it on the right track?

Opinion | Articles | Albert P'Rayan |

Catholic education in India: Is it on the right track? Catholic educational institutions across the globe are known for enhancing students’ knowledge and skills and developing their overall personalities. In India thousands, including politicians, bure.....

Whose Families are they anyway

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Whose Families are they anyway This piece has been inspired by two recent events. This morning (4th July), I read that “nice guy” Amir Khan was divorcing Kiran Rao, his second wife, of over a decade. The previous day I had read a Vatican News report .....

Folklore and Folktales of the Mao Tribe

Opinion | Articles | A. Kazhiini Mao |

Introduction Every race, tribe or community has a set of beliefs, tales, legend, myth, proverb or sayings which plays a significant role in indicating the uniqueness of their group and their social cultural identity. The Mao, one of the major tribes of t.....

Unceasing Prayer

Opinion | People's Edit | Michael Lunminthang |

Unceasing Prayer The COVID situation gave us different experiences which we might not have come across in normal circumstances. In spite of the unending fear around us, to my surprise, I find myself contemplating more on ‘Prayer’ in my little ways t.....

Denied bail even on Medical ground; Rev. Fr. Stan Swamy dies in his hospital bed

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Late Fr. Stan Swamy, the True Servant of God

The 84 year old Catholic priest and tribal rights activists Stan Swamy passed away on July 5, 2021 afternoon, two days after he was placed on ventilator support in Mumbai’s Holy Family Hospital. He had tested positive for COVID-19 and was shifted out of t.....

Persecution peaks amid impunity in pandemic-era India

Opinion | Articles | John Dayal |

The absolute sense of impunity generated in the administrative apparatus of India by the pandemic lockdowns, and the consequent absence of civil society on the streets and in the courts, has aggravated targeted hate and violence against Christians by non-.....

Thinking Tears that Tears us

Opinion | Articles | Victor Ferrao |

We are all born with tears in our eyes. Our cry is the first sign of life to our caregivers. It is our way of coming into the world. The cry and tears are performative. They mark the distance between us and the world. This marking of distance continues ev.....

Editorial

We hope the Church Hierarchy is listening

According to the media report, the son of a pastor, Ramesh Baghel, has been prevented from burying the dead body of his late father in the village cemetery because some Hindutva activists from his village did not allow the burial to take place. He appeale.....

The Twin Pillars of the Catholic Church

Dealing with the differences between the laity and clergy, the two pillars of the church, is a perpetual problem for the Catholic Church. Though the problem is real and sometimes threatens to tear apart the cohesiveness of the synodal church, it has alway.....

It is time Christians learn to read things between the lines

The recent statement from the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, proposing a regulatory body to oversee church properties akin to temple boards and waqf boards for Hindus and Muslims, undoubtedly raises concerns. However, given the number of controve.....

Look within, before gazing afar

Pope Francis has already announced the names of 21 new Cardinals who will officially assume the new role on December 8th, 2024. Following their appointment as cardinal-elects, the Holy Father wrote a short but powerful letter to all these men, who would s.....

The AICU needs to explore beyond its current boundaries.

The All India Catholic Union, which is the apex body of lay Catholics in India, was born well ahead of India's independence. It is a union with inclusive representation, upholding the Catholic faithful's mandate from all three rites of the Catholic family.....

Wayanad: Another wakeup calls for Mankind

Wayanad in Kerala is considered to be one of the rural districts in the state that has many attractions: a wildlife sanctuary, lush green forest cover, high altitude comfort, home to animals including Asian elephants, tigers, and leopards, and mesmerizing.....

Democracy has finally triumphed

The Parliamentary Elections 2024 have been one hell of an epic exercise, not because they were conducted in a country known as the world’s largest democracy, but simply because of the manner in which the entire exercise was carried out. Between the first.....

Unleashing Unity: A Synodal Mandate for the Catholic Church in Northeast India

As India engages herself in a general election since April 19th and braces for results on June 4, 2024, the air is thick with anxiety. The potential return of the Modi-led BJP, with its fascist undertones and anti-minority stance, threatens the very fabri.....

Is the CBCI admitting that Catholic Schools are indeed converting people?

Provoked by series of wild allegations on Christian institutes converting students from other religions, the NECARF Review ran an editorial as early as October 2022 under the caption “Forced Conversions: Christian Response to the Allegations." The editori.....

The Silence is deafening

The year 2023 ended somewhat on an unpleasant note for the Catholic Church, as there was a huge controversy over Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops attending a Christmas gathering on an invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Ch.....

A clarion call to Consecrated Men and Women

Since 1997, the Catholic Church has commemorated World Day for Consecrated Life on every 2nd of February, an observation instituted by Saint Paul John II. On this day, the Church prays and encourages the world’s religious men and women to always be open t.....

Upholding Democracy to safeguard SC and ST Interest in the region

The question today is, ‘How can we strategically leverage community engagement, media partnerships, and national and international solidarities and alliances to elevate the visibility of the Supreme Court directive on SC and ST representation in the North.....

Previous Articles

Shocking Statistics versus thoughtless slogans

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

I wish to begin this write-up with certain alarming statistics: • 129 million Indians are living in extreme poverty (World Bank) • In the 2024 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 105th out of the 127 countries. • One farmer/farm labourer dies by suicide.....

UCFNEI Refutes Allegations of Force Conversions

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

In a meeting held in Guwahati on November 24, 2022, the United Christians Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) expressed strong resentment over allegations of Christians forcibly converting people. In a press release issued after the meeting, the organisati.....

Nation Building is the need of the hour

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

Today’s socio-economic, religious and political scenario in the country frightens me. The ushering-in of Rama Rajya by constructing Ram temple at Ayodhya, pro-corporate policies of the federal government, using Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcem.....

Hundred Years of FMA Presence in Northern India Provinces

Opinion | Articles | Penny Rose Chinir

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice = FMA) founded by St John Bosco with co-foundress St Maria Domenica Mazzarello at Mornese, Italy is also known as Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco or simply FMA. The FMA province of M.....

Uniformity, Conformity, or Deformity?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

TV Debates and newspaper headlines are replete with news and views on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). They have generated more heat than light. That, sadly, may be what the UCC is all about. Let us go b.....

Undoing the Culture of Silence

Opinion | Articles | James Pochury

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." (Martin Luther King Jr.) When the youth of ICYM Northeast recently walked the hallowed grounds of Old Goa, touching the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier and .....

Sportsmanship Transcends over Ethnic division

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

On September 10, 2023, the Indian under -16 football team lifted the glittering Trophy in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. The team, affectionately referred to as the "Blue Colts", trounced neighbour Bangladesh by two goals to emerge Champions. Apart from.....

Politically religious or religiously political?

Opinion | People's Edit | G.L. Khing

Human beings are political and religious by nature. The combination of both enables the smooth functioning of the State. The sharp contrast between the two brings chaos, fear and violence. As the trumpet of election blows, there emerges a contrasting soun.....

Equality and Dignity of Citizenship

Opinion | Articles | Felix Machado

Introduction Certainly, we are all born equal and we all possess the God given dignity. Our right to equality and to our dignity have been given to us by God and we belong to God alone. The Second Vatican Council declared: “A sense of the dignity of th.....

Prayer and Fasting: A Powerful Medium of Spiritual Reflection

Opinion | Articles | Khansu Vialo Zingkhai

Come February 17 and we would be entering into the liturgical season of Lent. Lenten season is often referred to as a season of grace, a spiritual springtime, when we in preparation for the Great Feast of Easter are invited to enter into a deep spiritual .....

Shame on State Bank of India

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

Probably, this is the first time in the banking sector of India when the country’s biggest bank has not followed the deadline given by the Supreme Court. As a customer of this bank, I strongly feel that this bank is not trustworthy. This is the same bank.....

Education

Step in to the World of Journalism and Mass Media

College | NECARF Rep |

Niscort Media College

For those who aspire for the world of Mass media.....

Avail Early Bird Discount in Media Studies

College | NECARF Rep |

Admission Notice

NISCORT, one of the Premier Media Colleges in the National Capital area, announces admission for several graduate and post-graduate level courses in Media studies. Interested students may visit www.niscort.com for details......

NISCORT Announces three different courses in Journalism and Mass Communication

College | NECARF Rep |

aa

For those Interested in Journalism studies, the above affordable courses comes as a boon.....

NICORT Media College Announces Short Courses in Media fields

College | NECARF Rep |

Annoucment

NICORT Media College Announces Short Courses in Media fields.....

For those interested to make a Career in Mass Media and Journalism, NISCORT provides the opportunity

College | NECARF Rep |

NISCORT opens Admissions for Course in Mass Media and Journalism

NISCORT opens Admissions for Course in Mass Media and Journalism.....

NISCORT Online Course

College | NECARF Rep |

Online Media Course Details

NISCORT is conducting an Online Certificate Course in Media for Grauates. Those interested to join may contact the Institute.....

Current Updates

Statement of Concerned Catholics

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

On Thursday 4 April 2024, Pope Francis in a very incisive message to the participants in the First Colloquium between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in the Vatican said, “We n.....

Pope Francis says he is frightened by escalation in war

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Pope Francis in an interview

In an interview on an Italian TV program, Pope Francis laments the risk of escalation in war, says he has no plans to resign, announces Apostolic Journeys to Polynesia and to Argentina, and reflects on ‘Fiducia supplicans’, saying “the Lord blesses everyo.....

Our Baptism made us children of God: Pope Francis

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Pope Francis during Sunday Angelus

During his Sunday Angelus on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis reminds faithful that the day they were baptized, we became children of God forever, and this date of great grace must be remembered and celebrated. At our Baptism, we became.....

Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil receives World Peace Award 2023

NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Archbishop Menamparampil receiving the award

Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, whose name is synonymous with a crusader of ‘Peace and Reconciliation’, has been awarded the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam World Peace Award 2023 on the occasion of the United Nations International H.....

Synodal myopia in the light of Synodality in the family and apostolates

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Recent statements by prominent ecclesiastics raise important questions about certain assumptions that isolate synodality from theological, ecclesiological, canonical, and practical realities.(The Catholic World Report) This essay is occasioned by (1) the.....

Indian Catholic Forum organised a meeting

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

A one-day meeting was organised by the Indian Catholic Forum in Bengaluru on October 28, 2023. It was held at Nava Spoorthi Kendra. The theme of the meeting was Synodal Church and Secular Society. This was a follow up of the national meeting held in V.....

Opinion

Destroying Secularism

Articles | Cedric Prakash |

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?

Articles | M L Satyan |

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

Articles | Chhotebhai |

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 .....

We hope the Church Hierarchy is listening

Editorial | John S. Shilshi |

According to the media report, the son of a pastor, Ramesh Baghel, has been prevented from burying the dead body of his late father in the village cemetery because some Hindutva activists from his village did not allow the burial to take place. He appeale.....

Walking Our Sacred Land: Renewing Indigenous Catholic Identity Amid Crisis

Articles | James Pochury |

As excavators churn up the sacred soil of our ancestral lands, the stakes grow clearer: this is not just about losing territory but about the erasure of identity, culture, and faith. In the Northeast of India, where the earth carries the stories of our an.....

Celebrate Diversity

Articles | Cedric Prakash |

It is late evening, the day after Uttarayan (15 January), traditionally called ‘vasi uttarayan’. It has been a dull, cloudy day; the wind has been fairly good though. Since yesterday thousands have been on building –tops, flying their kites and many other.....

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