North East Catholic Research Forum

The North East Catholic Research Forum extends heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community of Tura on the demise of Most Rev. George Mamalassery, Bishop Emeritus of Tura. May his departed soul find eternal rest.

Latest from us

Our Baptism made us children of God: Pope Francis

Current Updates | 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.....

CHRISTMAS: A Celebration of Sharing

Opinion | Articles | Joseph M Thohrii |

Christmas is a yearly festival celebrated to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ. Edna Ferber, an American novelist, once said, “Christmas isn’t a season; it’s a feeling," a feeling that encourages oneness and harmony. It is a season to wish one another pea.....

Rev. Sister Aloysia Lotha, MSMHC: The First Catholic Nun from Nagaland

Opinion | Articles | Yanrenthung J Humtsoe |

Sister Aloysia Lotha was born in Lakhuti Village, Wokha, Nagaland, to Lt. Shenponthung Ambrose Yanthan and Lt. Ratseno Monica Yanthan. She received her Baptism at the age of 9, on 28th November, 1953. Her family embraced the Catholic faith in 1951. She m.....

No Merry Christmas for Christians of Manipur!

Opinion | Poem | Anthony Dias |

In the scenic hill-state of Manipur, all seems deceptively quiet As among the silent, yet restless people, there is a sense of disquiet The scent of blood and of bodies burnt, still emanates from the soil No visible signs yet to indicate the end of thi.....

Christmas Rubble

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

On Sunday 10th December I heard the first reading from Isaiah (40:1-5, 9-11) on freedom from the Babylonian exile. The reference to Babylon reminded me of the foot-tapping Boney M. song “By the Rivers of Babylon”. The music is pulsating, though I’m pretty.....

Time Catholic laity woke up

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

In the month of June this year, I had an opportunity to interact with a few members of a Mahila Sangh (Women’s Association), Catholic Sabha (Men’s Association) and the Youth Associations in one of the dioceses in North India. During the interaction the me.....

Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil receives World Peace Award 2023

Current Updates | 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.....

If Jesus re-visits the world

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

These days there is a lot of discussion, debate and writings on the types of liturgies – which one to follow and which one not to follow – all quoting the life and sayings of Jesus of Nazareth and referring to various traditions of the church. In this con.....

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

Current Updates | 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.....

Coastal Collateral

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Coastal Collateral In war, and even out of it, those who resort to aerial bombardment use the term “collateral damage” to explain away the loss of innocent lives, or destruction of non-military targets; as is now happening in Gaza. It is a convenient j.....

Indian Catholic Forum organised a meeting

Current Updates | 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.....

Christian Mission: Holding up the Mirror of Truth

Opinion | People's Edit | Ladislaus Louis D'Souza |

"Missionary work is not something that is reserved for a select few individuals. It is the vocation of all Christians,” says Father Ambrose Pichaimuthu, National Director, Pontifical Mission Organizations. If one could cite a single concrete example of th.....

Journalists need to be credible and courageous

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

The arrest of News Click founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha, the human resources chief Amit Chakravarty and a few other journalists associated with News Click on October 04, 2023 has sent a shock wave throughout the country. Amid growing restrictions o.....

Chaplain Embraces Native American Spirituality

Current Updates | Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Chaplain Embraces Native American Spirituality Susann Estle God is not a Christian, God is not a Jew, or a Muslim, or a Hindu, or a Buddhist. All of those are systems which human beings have created to help us walk into the mystery of God. I honor my t.....

Editorial

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.....

Francis does it again

In a papacy that spans a little less than a decade, Pope Francis has created some history by doing away with some of the Vatican’s pomp and privilege, at times at the cost of severe criticism from the conservatives who believe that the Catholic Church des.....

First among Equals

Not long ago, one senior lay Catholic commented in a group, “I watched one Episcopal ordination video from Arunachal Pradesh, and the seats in front were occupied by all whites, both male and female. I am just pondering if the laypeople will get proper se.....

Previous Articles

Fratelli Tooti

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

Had I entered a Spelling Bee contest I would have failed miserably, considering that I have mis-spelt the title of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” that he wrote during the Covid pandemic. Unlike previous Popes, he wrote in Italian, not Latin. Se.....

Christian Mission: Holding up the Mirror of Truth

Opinion | People's Edit | Ladislaus Louis D'Souza

"Missionary work is not something that is reserved for a select few individuals. It is the vocation of all Christians,” says Father Ambrose Pichaimuthu, National Director, Pontifical Mission Organizations. If one could cite a single concrete example of th.....

Immunological Thinking

Opinion | Articles | Victor Ferrao

Humans have gone through several ages of affliction. There was a microbial age that ended with the discovery of antibiotics. Thanks to immunological science and technology, we have left it behind although covid-19 virus threatened to usher it again. The.....

St. Paul’s Parish rectified eighteen Couples in a unique way

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

In what may be termed as the willingness of the Church to opens its door to straying members, St. Paul’s Parish Pallel, under the Archdiocese of Imphal, rectified 18 couples on 21st Oct 2020, alongside one regular Holy Marriage, which was solemnized by th.....

Contributions of the Roman Catholic Church in Mizoram in 73 Years (1947- 2020)

Opinion | Articles | Luke Sangkima

Introduction During December 10 – 12, 2021 the Diocese of Aizawl celebrated its Silver Jubilee. It should have been held exactly on February 7, 2021 but because of the Covid pandemic, the celebration was held on the dates noted above. The story goes lik.....

Government onslaught on Christians: The Church in India has a Task cut out

Opinion | Articles | John Dayal

Supreme Court order on Sept 26 seeking a government response to a petition that pleaded for strict action against “religious conversion through fraud and intimidation” will not translate immediately into a national law against conversions to Christianity .....

Voting, A Christian Duty

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

It’s that time of year when we head to the hustings for the great Indian tamasha, the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The present regime at the Centre is so confident of a third term in office that it has invited representatives from various world political par.....

Four, Five and Eleven

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

This is obviously not a mathematical equation. Let me tell you why I chose these random numbers. The number Four reminded me about the Readers’ Digest. It invariably carried a feature, “Drama in Real Life”; of how human beings endured and overcame insurmo.....

Darjeeling Diocese Bids Adieu to a Senior Priest

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

The Diocese of Darjeeling bid a tearful farewell to Rev. Fr. Leonard Tamsang, who breathed his last on the morning of October 29, 2020 at Gianora Home, 8th Mile, Kalimpong, where he was residing along with fellow retired Priests. Born on August 8, 1942 in.....

Embracing True Christianity: A Call to Authentic and Prophetic Action

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang

Often people claim that they have abandoned their traditional religion and embraced Christianity. Many people think that it is a great victory. Yes, there are many good elements that exist in our society but there are also some social evils that eat into.....

Taw Tebin, and Pekhi Nabum, Re-elected APCA Leaders

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

Two prominent Catholic leaders of Arunachal Pradesh - Mr. Taw Tebin and Mr Pekhi Nabum, were re-elected as President and General Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) on November 28, 2021. Following their re-elections to the position,.....

Opinion

Shocking Statistics versus thoughtless slogans

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.....

It is time Christians learn to read things between the lines

Editorial | John S. Shilshi |

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.....

New Delhi – New York, Via Newcastle

Articles | Chhotebhai |

What’s new? In recent times, a lot. Let me begin with the adage “Don’t carry coal to Newcastle”. This is because Newcastle, in north east England, was known for its industry and coal fields. Hence any attempt to send coal there would be superfluous. Can.....

Embracing True Christianity: A Call to Authentic and Prophetic Action

Articles | Benjamin Chang |

Often people claim that they have abandoned their traditional religion and embraced Christianity. Many people think that it is a great victory. Yes, there are many good elements that exist in our society but there are also some social evils that eat into.....

All Saints Day’ and ‘All Souls Day’

Articles | Benjamin Chang |

Catholic Church observes ‘All Saints Day’ on November 1 as a day to honor all the saints in heaven and ‘All Souls Day’ November 2 to pray for the souls in purgatory. ‘All Saints Day’ is intended to honour the memory of countless unknown and uncanonized s.....

Formation needs transformation

Articles | M L Satyan |

I was intrigued by the revelations Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima, chairman of the northeast bishops’ formation commission, made during the meeting of the formators of northeastern region held from October 21-23, 2024 at Mount Tabor Retreat Centre in Dima.....

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.....

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 |

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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.....

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