Articles by Anto Akkara
Papal Christmas deadline over Syro-Malabar rift is met, but Indian archdiocese simmers
Dec 28, 2023 / 14:35 pmProtests and disruptions to “unified” Masses mandated by the pope were observed around the archdiocese, but it remains if there will be consequences from the Vatican.
Indian priest jailed under ‘anti-conversion’ laws is released
Dec 22, 2023 / 16:36 pmFather Babu Francis was detained by the police on Oct. 1 after he sought information on the arrest and detention of a member of his staff.
Dissenting priests in Syro-Malabar Church protest Pope Francis’ Christmas deadline
Dec 20, 2023 / 17:50 pmTensions have risen in the Eastern Catholic Church in the Indian state of Kerala as the deadline approaches to implement a universal liturgy.
More than 10,000 Indian Catholics welcome new archbishop in conflict-torn Manipur
Dec 11, 2023 / 16:22 pmMore than 10,000 Catholics from across the state of Manipur attended the Dec. 8 installation of the new archbishop of the Imphal Archdiocese, Linus Neli.
Refugees of ethnic clash in India find open arms in majority-Christian state
Dec 6, 2023 / 17:05 pm“We are grateful to God [that] we are safe here,” said Mercy Tungdian, who now lives with her three small children in a government apartment.
Vatican puts 35 Catholic ‘martyrs of Kandhamal’ in India on road to sainthood
Oct 26, 2023 / 13:05 pmThe Christians were killed in the 2008 Christian persecution that took place in the remote jungle district of the eastern Odisha state.
Church in India celebrates two recent Supreme Court verdicts
Oct 19, 2023 / 11:00 amThe cases, involving abortion rights and gay marriage, came down within the same 24-hour period.
Thousands mourn Indian Cardinal Telesphore Toppo at funeral Mass
Oct 11, 2023 / 15:00 pmCardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Asia’s first tribal cardinal who died on Oct. 4, was remembered for his humility, simplicity, and care for the poor.
Indian priest who joined Hindu nationalist party relieved of duties by bishop
Oct 4, 2023 / 13:45 pmThe priest’s action took place at a time of rising persecution of Christians in India.
India’s Christian rights network not hopeful after meeting with minorities commission
Sep 26, 2023 / 17:30 pm“While the positive is that there is some conversation, I do not set hopes very high,” said John Dayal, an outspoken Catholic activist.
India’s Modi government invites Christian rights watchdog to discuss concerns
Sep 15, 2023 / 15:40 pmThe head of the Christian human rights group had written to the prime minister’s office about three major grievances.
Mother Teresa is ‘teacher of love’ says Kolkata archbishop on anniversary of saint’s death
Sep 6, 2023 / 09:57 amThe feast of St. Teresa of Kolkata was celebrated by Catholics and non-Catholics alike with Mass, prayers, tributes, and visits to her tomb throughout the day.
On Indian Independence Day, bishops reiterate Christians’ patriotism
Aug 16, 2023 / 13:30 pmThe Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India also called for “resolving internal challenges with empathy, understanding, and unity.”
Hindu nationalists demand arrest of Catholic priest in India for saying king was not a god
Aug 9, 2023 / 12:35 pmHindu groups had staged demonstrations in front of the police station calling for criminal charges to be brought against Father Bolmax Pereira.