New Delhi, September 17, 2025, CBCI: Archbishop Mar Jacob
Thoomkuzhy, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, was called to
eternal life at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. He was 94. A former
Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), he is remembered
as a shepherd of faith, wisdom, and humility who dedicated his life to the
service of the Church and the people of God.<o:p></o:p>

The CBCI deeply mourns his passing and prays for the repose
of his soul.<o:p></o:p>

Born on 13 December 1930 at Vilakumadam in the Eparchy of
Palai, Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s family now belongs to Sacred Heart Parish,
Thiruvambady, in the Eparchy of Thamarassery. He pursued his priestly studies
at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, and at Urban College, Rome, where
he was ordained a priest on 22 December 1956. He later earned a Doctorate in
Canon and Civil Law from the Lateran University, Rome.<o:p></o:p>

Returning to India, he served as secretary to Mar Sebastian
Vallopilly, Bishop of Thalassery, and as chancellor of the eparchy. He was
later appointed Rector of the Eparchial Minor Seminary in Thalassery. After
further studies at Fordham University, New York, where he obtained a Master’s
degree in English Literature, he returned to India and resumed his role as
Rector of the Minor Seminary until his episcopal appointment.<o:p></o:p>

On 1 May 1973, he was consecrated as the first Bishop of the
newly erected Eparchy of Manathavady, serving there for 22 years. On 7 June
1995, he was transferred as Bishop of Thamarassery, where he took charge on 28
July 1995. The following year, on 18 December 1996, he was appointed Archbishop
of Thrissur and was installed on 15 February 1997.<o:p></o:p>

Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s resignation upon reaching the
canonical age of retirement became effective on 18 March 2007, when Mar Andrews
Thazhath was enthroned as Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur.<o:p></o:p>

May his soul rest in eternal peace.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy Called to Eternal Rest

New Delhi, 10 September 2025, CBCI: &nbsp;The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India
(CBCI) will tomorrow, 11 September, solemnly celebrate the Ecumenical Jubilee
2025 and the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and the
proclamation of the Nicene Creed, marking a historic moment of faith and unity
for the Church in India and across the world.<o:p></o:p>

The commemoration will open with an ecumenical gathering at St.
Columba’s School, New Delhi, at 4:00 p.m., bringing together Church leaders,
representatives of various Christian traditions, religious men and women, lay
leaders, and faithful from across the country. The event will highlight the
enduring significance of the Nicene Creed in strengthening Christian unity and
bearing common witness in today’s world.<o:p></o:p>

In connection with the Jubilee, the CBCI Standing Committee
will meet in New Delhi on September 11–12, 2025, under the leadership of Archbishop
Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI. Around 50 participants, including
Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops, are expected to take part in the sessions,
reflecting on the life and mission of the Church in India and addressing
contemporary challenges facing the Christian community and society at large.<o:p></o:p>

Later in the evening of September 11, a solemn Eucharistic
Celebration will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi, at 6:30 p.m.,
presided over by Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and
Nepal, and concelebrated by Cardinals, Major Archbishops, Archbishops, Bishops,
and numerous priests. The Mass will be a profound expression of thanksgiving,
faith, and communion, with the participation of thousands of faithful from
across India, including members of the Archdiocese of Delhi, the Archdiocese of
Faridabad, and the Diocese of Gurgaon.<o:p></o:p>

These twin events will stand as a visible witness to the
unity of the Catholic Church in its rich diversity of rites, while reaffirming
the Christian community’s mission to be instruments of peace, reconciliation,
and nation-building.<o:p></o:p>

Church leaders will underscore the continuing relevance of
the Nicene Creed, which unites Christians across centuries and cultures in the
one faith of the Church.<o:p></o:p>

The CBCI has expressed deep gratitude to all those
contributing to the success of these historic celebrations, especially clergy,
religious, lay leaders, benefactors, and volunteers whose dedicated service
will make the events memorable.<o:p></o:p>

CBCI to Celebrate National Ecumenical Jubilee 2025 and the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed

New Delhi, September 5, 2025, CBCI: The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the
recent cloudbursts and landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh during
the 2025 monsoon season. The disasters have claimed several lives, left many
missing, and caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.<o:p></o:p>

Highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of such
calamities, the CBCI noted that climate change and unsustainable development in
the fragile Himalayan region remain urgent challenges.<o:p></o:p>

Offering condolences, the CBCI conveyed solidarity with
bereaved families and those who lost homes and livelihoods, praying for the
recovery of the injured and strength for survivors.<o:p></o:p>

The CBCI has called upon all Christians in India to unite in
prayer and extend compassionate support to the victims. Caritas India, the
humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church, has already launched relief and
rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas. The CBCI urged dioceses,
institutions, and individuals to channel their contributions through Caritas
India.<o:p></o:p>

Reaffirming its commitment, the CBCI pledged continued aid
and advocacy for sustainable measures to reduce the impact of such disasters in
the future.<o:p></o:p>

CBCI Mourns Victims of Cloudbursts and Landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; Urges Prayer and Support

New Delhi, 4 September 2025, CBCI, The Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed deep anguish and solidarity with the
people of Punjab and Haryana who are reeling under the worst floods in decades.
Extending prayers and support, CBCI urged the faithful and people of goodwill
to respond with compassion and concrete assistance.<o:p></o:p>

According to reports, the relentless rains and overflowing
rivers have devastated all 23 districts of Punjab, affecting more than 3.5 lakh
people. The agricultural sector, the backbone of the region, has suffered
immense damage with over 3.7 lakh acres of crops submerged. Thousands have been
rendered homeless, facing a long road to recovery.<o:p></o:p>

In a message of empathy and hope, CBCI called upon Catholics
across India to join in fervent prayer for the victims and their families.
Special prayers were also offered for the safety and dedication of rescue
workers engaged in relief operations.<o:p></o:p>

Appealing for urgent action, the CBCI encouraged Christians
and people of goodwill to extend help through food, clean water, medicines, and
shelter. It further requested that contributions be routed through Caritas
India, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church, which has already mobilized
its network for relief and rehabilitation.<o:p></o:p>

“The Catholic Church stands ready to accompany the people of
Punjab in this difficult hour and through the long journey of recovery and
rebuilding,” the statement affirmed.<o:p></o:p>

CBCI concluded its appeal by urging all to keep Punjab and
Haryana in their prayers.<o:p></o:p>

CBCI Expresses Solidarity with Flood-Hit Punjab and Haryana; Appeals for Prayer and Aid

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>

CBCI News Highlights

Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy Called to Eternal Rest

CBCI to Celebrate National Ecumenical Jubilee 2025 and the 1700th Anniversary of...

CBCI Mourns Victims of Cloudbursts and Landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pr...

CBCI Expresses Solidarity with Flood-Hit Punjab and Haryana; Appeals for Prayer ...

Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal Appointed New Metropolitan Archbishop of Kalyan

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

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

Syro-Malabar Church Erects Four New Provinces: Faridabad, Ujjain, Shamshabad, Ka...

Enactment of Fifth Labour code, exclusively for unorganised workers, is the need...

CBCI President Calls for Prayer and Fasting for Peace on the Feast of the Queens...

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

Academic Session 2025-26 Inaugurated at NISCORT: Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj Urges St...

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