MESSAGES - The General Chapter of the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin meeting in Tours, France, who are present in 36 countries, including Iraq since 1873, declares being extremely upset about the tragic situation of Christians in Iraq. We totally agree with the declaration of “very deep concern” of the Secretary General of the United Nations...

CONSECRATED LIFE - The Western Region of the CRI had its Annual General assembly from 6-8, July 2014 at Sarvodaya, Goregoan, Mumbai. The 51 participants included Major Superiors and executives of the local units. The theme for the AGM was, ‘Psycho-Sexual Integration & Celibacy’. The resource person was Fr. Joe Mannath SDB. The assembly...

HEALTH - Vatican Radio has learnt that the African Jesuit Aids Network (AJAN) is working on a book that will offer a comprehensive theology about AIDS from an African perspective. The book is set to be published next year in 2015 and will be titled, Current Christian perspectives on HIV and AIDS in Africa: theological reflection, public health crises and social transformation.

REFLECTION - “Allowing women to take up the role of bishop is going to change the church,” was the crisp conclusion of the current Dean of Salisbury Cathedral, The Very Revd. June Osborne after the vote which finally paved the way for women to be consecrated to the Episcopate of the Church of England. The Dean went on to add that “I think its going to change our society...

NEWS 2014 - Pope Francis has appointed new consultors to the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, including the Italian archbishop who serves as secretary of the Congregation for Catholic education, as well as several religious representing Rome's pontifical universities...

NEWS 2014 - Sr Phil Tiernan RSCJ was one of 298 passengers who died on the Malasian Airways flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpar which is believed to have been shot down by Russian separatists in Ukraine. Sr Phil was returning from a sabbatical period. The final portion of the period was doing a guided retreat at Joigny in France...

CONSECRATED LIFE - Hyderabad - The AP CRI 45th Annual General Body Meeting was held on 12th July on the theme “Rediscovering the Joy of Consecrated Life” which was inspired by the Holy Father’s declaration of 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Life. The resource Person was Fr. Joe Mannath SDB, National CRI Secretary, a renowned speaker on Religious life.

TESTIMONY - Fr. Eric Lakman OMI stopped for night at CRI House on his way to Jolicote and at table during our conversations, he shared much about his experience in Pakistan. Sr. Claudette then asked him to spare few minutes for an interview. Fr. Eric what brought you to India? I am a Sri Lankan Catholic religious priest belonging to Missionary Oblates...

EDUCATION - Vietnam’s first Catholic university is no longer a mirage. It is very soon going to become a reality, in fact according to Paul Bui Van Doc, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, the structure could be ready within a year. It is going to mark a crucial turning point in the history of the Vietnamese Catholic Church, the sign of an eagerly awaited return to the freedom of education...