Fr Martin Sadiq appointed NISCORT Director, Bringing Indigenous Punjabi Leadership to National Catholic Media
The Jalandhar priest, with 28 years of priestly ministry and more than 24 years in Catholic media, becomes the first appointee to a national communication institution since Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar assumed leadership of the CBCI Office for Social Communications. His proposed vision for NISCORT places practical media education, digital evangelisation, AI and professional formation at the centre of its next phase.
Women’s Leadership and Gospel Communication in Focus at India’s Catholic Media Assembly
Women communicate Christ through presence, empathy, and witness, said Sr. Tessy Jacob SSpS at the SIGNIS India National Assembly 2026. As the only woman presenter at the gathering held in Jalandhar from April 13–16, her address also sparked reflection on synodality, female leadership, and wider participation in Church communication.
Questions of Caste, Evangelisation and Church Witness mark Fr. Nigel Barrett’s SINA 2026 Session
A keynote session by Fr. Nigel Barrett at SINA 2026 in Jalandhar triggered frank discussion on caste identity, evangelisation, Church witness, and communication challenges in India. Delegates raised direct questions, while the speaker called for courage, professionalism, lay leadership, and credible Gospel communication in a polarised society.
First Woman from Northeast India receives SIGNIS lifetime achievement award for media ministry
Sr. Euginia Laloo FMA became the first woman from Northeast India to receive the SIGNIS India Lifetime Achievement Award at SINA 2026. Honoured alongside representatives from eleven other regions, she was recognised for nearly two decades of media ministry and dedicated her achievement to collaborators supporting the Church’s communication mission.
‘Whisper the gospel with truth and courage’: Bp Rayarala at SINA 2026 Inauguration
Catholic communicators must “whisper the Gospel” with authenticity and courage in a noisy digital world, said the Chairman of CBCI Office for Social Communication, Bishop Vijaya Kumar Rayarala at SINA 2026 in Jalandhar. Highlighting ethical media use, human dignity, and the challenges of artificial intelligence, the bishop of Srikakulam urged, communicators to foster truth, unity, and authentic relationships rooted in Christ.
Catholic media must remain rooted in gospel proclamation, Bishop Jose Sebastian urges at SINA 2026
Catholic media must remain rooted in Gospel proclamation and not lose focus amid technological expansion, said Bishop Jose Sebastian during the inaugural Mass of SINA 2026 in Jalandhar. He emphasised faith experience, courage, and discernment, calling communicators to prioritise authentic evangelisation in today’s challenging and rapidly evolving media environment.
SINA 2026 to begin in Jalandhar with renewed Focus on Northeast Participation and Structural Renewal
The SIGNIS India National Assembly (SINA 2026) begins April 13 in Jalandhar, marking a pivotal moment for the Northeast region as it moves toward structural reorganization and a renewed membership drive. With key participation from Northeast communicators and recognition of Sr. Euginia Laloo as the first indigenous nominee for the Lifetime Achievement Award, the assembly highlights both challenges and new directions in the Church’s communication mission in India.
Elderly Priest Fr. Joseph Mulen found dead after mysterious disappearance during Train Journey
A 91-year-old Catholic priest from Assam was found dead near Eluru after going missing during a train journey to Kerala. The incident has shocked the Church in Northeast India, raising questions about the circumstances of his disappearance while prompting prayers and tributes for his six decades of priestly service.
Caritas India Launches Lenten Campaign 2026 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Delhi
Caritas India launched its Lenten Campaign 2026, “Together for Peace, People and Planet,” at Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi, calling the faithful to translate Lenten prayer into action for justice, inclusion, and care for creation. Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace and responsibility, the campaign addresses inequality, fractured relationships, and the ecological crisis.
Full Scholarships for Civil Services Aspirants
JD Academy of Excellence (JDAX), Chennai, has opened admissions for its 2026–27 Civil Services coaching programme, offering full scholarships for selected aspirants. The Church-backed initiative aims to support talented youth, including candidates from Northeast India, with structured preparation and financial assistance for UPSC examinations.
Salesian Rector Major Concludes 13-Day India Visit Focused on Youth and Mission Renewal
A 13-day Salesian visit across Kolkata, New Delhi and Chennai concluded Feb. 17, highlighting renewed focus on youth education and mission outreach. The tour included centenary celebrations in Kolkata, a school expansion milestone in Gumla, and youth-centred gatherings in Tamil Nadu. Unity, holistic formation and service to vulnerable young people emerged as central themes of the visit.
CBCI National Awards 2026 Honour Distinguished Service to Church and Society
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) conferred its first-ever National Awards on 9 February 2026 in Bengaluru, honouring 19 individuals for distinguished service to the Church and society. The ceremony was attended by newly elected CBCI President Cardinal Poola Anthony and senior Church leaders.
Pope Leo XIV Appoints Rev. Francisco A. A. J. Pinheiro as Bishop of Sindhudurg
Pope Leo XIV has named Rev. Francisco A. A. J. Pinheiro as Bishop of Sindhudurg. Ordained in 2000 for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, he has served in parish ministry, seminary formation, and interreligious dialogue, and holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
North India Discusses Strategies to Combat Unemployment
Leaders meet to formulate strategies addressing the rising unemployment rates in North India.
RTE Exemption for Minority Schools questioned
Debate intensifies over the Right to Education exemption status for minority-run institutions.
Dialogue Nourishes the Soul
Religious leaders gather to discuss how interfaith dialogue nourishes the soul and builds bridges.