Communion of the Living and the Dead

A very modern, and very wrong, picture of our humanity keeps us from understanding the deep and luminous significance of All Souls' Day. We have come to think of the human person as essentially independent — a sovereign island of consciousness, self-contained and self-made. Yet this image, so flattering to our modern sensibilities, hides a tragic misunderstanding of who we truly are. There are two great errors in this lonely vision of the self, and both obscure the radiant truth that All Souls' Day reveals.

The first error is the illusion of isolation. There has never been an "I" without a "you." We are, from the very first flutter of being, born into relation — drawn from the love of others, shaped by their touch, their words, their presence. Long before we could name ourselves, we were named by another. Our mothers bore us; our fathers, siblings, teachers, friends, and even strangers have all stitched threads into the fabric of our being. We are not self-made monuments, but intricate tapestries woven by many hands.

The second error follows naturally from the first: the belief that we are ever finished, ever complete. But no human life is tidy. We die in the midst of things — with gestures half-made, loves unfinished, wounds unhealed, words left unsaid. Even from our deathbeds, we are still weaving, still reaching towards wholeness. We enter death as fragments of ourselves, tatters of glory and grief.

It is precisely here that the Christian imagination, and the feast of All Souls, offers its most tender and luminous truth. Purgatory — so often caricatured as a place of punishment — is better seen as a process, a divine artistry that stands outside space and time. It is the patient work of God gathering up the fragments of our lives, healing our wounds, and bringing to completion the work we began in Him. "And this is the will of the one who sent me," says Jesus, "that I should not lose anything of what He gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day" (John 6:39).

If others are necessarily involved in the very creation of ourselves, how could their influence end at death? The bonds of love and prayer, forged in the fire of human encounter, do not dissolve at the grave. In life, we wound one another, but we also heal one another. We pray for each other, knowing that God's mercy is the vast and invisible ground in which we are all rooted. Why should that communion, so essential to our nature, be shattered by death? The Church's answer is simple and beautiful; it is not. We remain human souls bound to one another in the great living web of divine love.

We die unfinished, but God does not leave us undone. And if we can pray for those still on their earthly journey, why should we not also pray for those who journey through death towards the fullness of life? Likewise, the dead — now certain of their salvation in Christ — pray for us who still stumble and strive. The living and the dead, then, are not two worlds but one communion, bound together in the mystery of grace.

In the Catholic Church, death is not denied or hidden, but faced — as the essential mystery at the heart of what it means to be human. The Cross, that stark symbol of suffering and surrender, is also the sign of victory and transfiguration. Death speaks, but it does not have the last word. "When we die, we shall live with Christ in a new life."

That faith turns cemeteries from places of dread into places of waiting. Over the gates of a cemetery in Melbourne is carved the Latin phrase Janua Vitae — "the gateway to life." The early Christians understood this truth well. They wrote the names of the dead on tablets, and spoke them aloud during the Eucharist, so that the living and the dead might meet in one prayer, one memory, one hope. 

All Souls' Day calls us to compassion, to solidarity, to the recognition that we are bound by grace across the thin veil between worlds. To pray for the dead is to confess our faith in the God who finishes what we cannot — the God who refuses to lose a single thread of the tapestry He began.

In that faith, the day of the dead becomes not a dirge, but a hymn; not a lament for what is lost, but a song for what is being made whole. For in Christ, death is not the end of our communion, but its radiant beginning.

(collated from various sources)

Perfect Holiness in an Imperfect World 

Fr Joshan Rodrigues

If you managed to spot all seven haloed figures on the cover, you deserve commendation for your sharp observation and 20/20 vision. But let me pose a more challenging task: if I were to take you to church on a Sunday, and ask you to identify all the saints sitting in the pews, would you be as confident? Likely not. You might protest, "How could anyone recognise holiness in a crowd?" And indeed, by what standard would we measure it?

These are valid questions. And they bring us to the heart of the matter. While holiness is a gift freely offered to all by the Saviour — "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt 5:48) — the struggle to live a holy life in an imperfect world is anything but easy.

Yet, saints do walk among us. They are not always canonised or cloaked in robes of sanctity. Often, they are ordinary people who make extraordinary choices in the quiet corners of daily life. A mother who sacrifices her own comfort to keep her family together and joyful; she is a saint. A professional who turns down a lucrative career to serve the local community; that too is sainthood. A young person who chooses to volunteer at church instead of chasing fleeting experiences for a perfect Instagram story; that is holiness in action.

Are these people paragons of perfection? Hardly; at least, not in their own eyes. But imagine how much darker and more desolate the world would be without them. Should we judge them for their failings or celebrate their good deeds? Surely, they deserve credit for striving towards goodness despite the heavy burden of human weakness. Yet even the question is flawed, for holiness is never received as a finished product. It is a journey — one taken in small, deliberate steps. "Grace, precisely because it builds on nature, does not make us superhuman all at once… (rather) it takes hold of us and transforms us progressively" (Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate, 50).

One of the devil's most insidious temptations is the false dichotomy he sets before us – you are either the embodiment of holiness or not holy at all. No middle ground exists. Even worse is when we impose this impossible standard on others. Ignore the good they've done, the critics cry, and focus instead on their failures.

In today's hyper-connected world — where social media never sleeps and judgment is passed in seconds — this temptation is stronger than ever. Every word, every action, every decision of public figures is dissected under a merciless spotlight. Consider the recent controversy surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado. Many have dismissed her worthiness based solely on her political stance in Venezuela, rather than reflecting on the reasons the Nobel Committee cited for her recognition. I hold no opinion on the matter myself. But it does raise an important question: are we expecting perfect holiness from people in public life? Or should we instead evaluate their journey as a whole — weighing both the flaws and the virtues — and asking whether their trajectory bends toward goodness?

"Not everything a saint says is completely faithful to the Gospel; not everything he or she does is authentic or perfect. What we need to contemplate is the totality of their life, their entire journey of growth in holiness — the reflection of Jesus Christ that emerges when we grasp their overall meaning as a person" (Gaudete et Exsultate, 22).

Too often, we expect our leaders, activists, and changemakers to be flawless — paragons of virtue, free from contradiction or sin. But such expectations are neither fair nor realistic. If we are honest with ourselves, none of us is without fault. We are all work in progress, stumbling towards goodness.

Consider the case of some American politicians denied Holy Communion because of their political positions on sensitive issues. Pope Francis reminds us in Evangelii Gaudium that the Eucharist "is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak" (no. 47).

Holiness, in its truest form, is not the absence of flaw, but the persistence of striving. It is the road, not the destination — a path marked by effort, repentance, and a sincere desire to do good. When we dismiss the contributions of imperfect people, we risk silencing voices that might otherwise bring light and change. History itself is filled with deeply flawed men and women whose actions nonetheless transformed the world for the better.

Recognising goodness in others does not mean excusing their shortcomings. It means seeing them as they are — whole, complex, and contradictory — yet capable of extraordinary grace. It means celebrating their light, even as we acknowledge their shadows. In a world eager to tear down, perhaps true holiness lies in our ability to look beyond imperfection — in ourselves and in others — and honour the good that persists despite it.

So do not be afraid of holiness. Do not let your weaknesses dishearten you. Let us learn to look upon one another with compassion — to encourage what is good, and to lovingly correct what is not. Look again at the cover image. Every person there has the capacity for holiness. Every human heart is fertile ground for God's grace to bear fruit — halo or not.

Missionaries of Hope in a Wounded Nation

Fr Joshan Rodrigues

Every year, World Mission Sunday invites us to pause and remember who we are as followers of Christ: a people sent into the world not simply to live as Christians, but to witness — to embody God's love in word and deed. In his 2025 message for World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis (who penned this message before his demise) offers a theme that feels especially urgent in our times: "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples." At a moment when despair, fear, and division so often dominate our social and political landscape, the Church is called anew to be a living sign of God's hope.

For the Church in India, this call is deeply resonant. Ours is a small community — just over two percent of the population — yet our impact on society far outweighs our numbers. Across the length and breadth of this nation, the Catholic Church serves millions through schools, hospitals, orphanages, leprosy centres, shelters for the elderly, and countless grassroots initiatives for the poor, the excluded, and the voiceless. This is not social work for its own sake; it is the Gospel made visible, a continuation of the mission of Christ who "went about doing good and healing all" (Acts 10:38).

And yet, our service has not shielded us from suspicion and hostility. In recent years, the Church in India has found itself in an increasingly hostile environment. The rise of a majoritarian political ideology has cast religious minorities as outsiders, and Christians have often been painted as threats to national identity. Anti-conversion laws — passed in several states — are frequently used to harass, intimidate, and criminalize Christian activity. Prayer gatherings are disrupted, missionaries are accused of coercion, and charitable works are viewed with mistrust. In such an atmosphere, it is easy for fear to replace courage and for mission to shrink back into the safety of silence.

But Pope Francis reminds us that mission has always flourished amid adversity. Christ Himself, the "divine Missionary of hope" (Message, §1), carried out His saving work in the face of rejection, opposition, and ultimately the Cross. The Church, too, continues His mission — often wounded and imperfect, yet always compelled by love. As the Pope writes, the Church is "not a static Church, but a missionary Church that walks with her Lord through the streets of the world" (Message, §1). Persecution, then, is not the end of mission but often its most authentic context.

Hope, as the Holy Father emphasises, is not mere optimism. It is not a denial of suffering but a conviction that God's love is stronger than suffering, that life is stronger than death. To be "missionaries of hope" means to stand with those who are crushed by despair — the poor, the displaced, the discriminated, the lonely — and to proclaim, not just with words but with our presence, that they are not forgotten by God. It means sharing their struggles, lifting their burdens, and showing them that they have dignity and worth.

Pope Francis also reminds us that mission is sustained by prayer. "The person who hopes is a person who prays" (Message, §3). In prayer, we draw strength from Christ, who is the source and goal of our mission. It is prayer that enables us to forgive those who persecute us, to persevere in the face of hostility, and to keep loving even when love is met with hatred. It is prayer that prevents us from despairing and teaches us to trust in God's plan — a plan "of peace for a future full of hope" (Jer 29:11).

World Mission Sunday, then, is more than an annual observance; it is a renewal of our identity and purpose. It calls us, as Pope Francis says, to become "artisans of hope" (Message, §3) — people who build bridges in a fractured society, who respond to hatred with love, and who offer a different vision of humanity rooted in the Gospel.

As we celebrate this Mission Sunday, let us place our Church and our country under the protection of Mary, Mother of Hope. Like her, may we stand firm even when the Cross looms large, trusting that God's love will have the final word. And may we, though few in number, continue to be a light in the darkness — missionaries of hope in a land that desperately needs it.

Pilgrims of Hope: Religions Journeying for Peace

The Jubilee Year 2025 is being marked by the Archdiocese of Bombay through a series of special events and programmes taking place across the city throughout the year. Among these, a remarkable inter-religious celebration was held on Saturday, October 4, at St Andrew's College Auditorium, Bandra. This inspiring event brought together community leaders, representatives from diverse faith traditions, and the lay faithful in a collective effort to foster dialogue, understanding, and harmony across religions. Aptly titled "Pilgrims of Hope – Religions Journeying for Peace," the gathering was organised by the Archdiocese of Bombay's Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, in collaboration with St Andrew's College, Bandra.

The choice of date—the Feast of St Francis of Assisi—was profoundly symbolic. It recalled the Saint's historic encounter with the Muslim Sultan of Egypt, Malik al-Kamil, in 1219 during the Fifth Crusade. As Catholic tradition recounts, St Francis entered the Sultan's camp at Damietta with the hope of sharing his Christian faith. Though he did not succeed in converting the Sultan, he achieved something far greater - a dialogue of mutual respect. The Sultan, deeply moved by St Francis' sincerity and courage, granted him safe passage back to the Christian lines. This remarkable episode endures as a timeless emblem of inter-faith understanding—an enduring reminder that peace and mutual respect are the cornerstones of all true religion.

The dignity of the occasion was further elevated by the presence of Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Inter-religious Dialogue at the Vatican, who had travelled from Rome specially for the programme. In his welcome address, Archbishop John Rodrigues warmly greeted Cardinal Koovakad, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, and a distinguished assembly of religious leaders representing Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other faiths.

Among the eminent guests were Mar Thomas Elavanal, Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Bishop Allwyn D'Silva, Swami Dayadhipananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Prabhu Mukundmala Das and Swami Prabhu Keshav Chandra Das of ISKCON, Sadguru Yogiraj Dr Mangeshda, Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Maulana Iliyas Khan Falahi, State President of Jamat-e-Islami Hind, Ervad Dr Parvez M. Bajan of the Byculla Fire Temple, Dr Surinder Kaur, Ven. Dr Bhadant Rahul Bodhi Mahathero of the Sarvodaya Maha Buddha Vihara, Mr Ezra Moses of the Gate of Heaven Synagogue, and Swami Devendra Brahmachari. The Archbishop emphasised that inter-religious dialogue stands as a guiding principle for building peace, compassion, and a culture of service—a sentiment echoed by all these dignitaries during their closed-door meeting prior to the event.

Archbishop John Rodrigues reflected that the aim of this august gathering, held during the Jubilee Year, was to highlight the diverse ways in which inter-faith dialogue is being pursued within the Archdiocese, and how each religious tradition strives to build bridges of understanding and peace. He expressed confidence that the event would strengthen the bonds of humanity, inspiring all to see one another as brothers and sisters—united in friendship and understanding, while remaining steadfast in their own faith traditions.

What followed was a vibrant tableau of performances presented by different religious groups and peace organisations. Through skits, music, dance, and multimedia presentations, they showcased community initiatives that promote harmony in daily life. Among the memorable performances were "Bhaichara," a moving skit by students of the Hindi Department, University of Mumbai; a medley of Sufi devotional songs; and a display of traditional Sikh martial arts. A dramatic enactment titled "History Made" recreated the iconic meeting of St Francis with the Sultan of Egypt. The renowned playback singer, Vijay Benedict, offered a stirring rendition of the Our Father, that universal prayer uniting people of all faiths. The Paranjoti Academy Chorus then held the audience spellbound with a soulful performance of Michael Jackson's "Heal the World", before leading all present in the National Anthem.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias introduced the Chief Guest and keynote speaker, Cardinal Koovakad, commending him for his immense responsibility at the Vatican—overseeing inter-religious affairs across the globe and coordinating the late Pope Francis' international visits devoted to dialogue. Cardinal Gracias lauded Cardinal Koovakad for playing a key role in organising nineteen of Pope Francis' papal journeys, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr Aniceto Pereira and Fr (Dr) S.M. Michael SVD, who lead the Archdiocese's Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, for conceptualising and executing this inspiring event.

In his deeply resonant keynote address, Cardinal Koovakad reflected that inter-religious dialogue is not merely desirable, but essential—a sacred and unique instrument for peace in our fractured world. In honour of the day's feast, he described St Francis of Assisi as "the saint of fraternal love, simplicity, and joy," a visionary who "sowed seeds of peace" through his openness to others.

He also hailed the 60th anniversary of St Pope Paul VI's landmark document Nostra Aetate, which revolutionised the Church's approach to inter-faith relations. The Cardinal noted that this seminal text continues to illuminate the path of dialogue, promoting fraternity, friendship, unity, and solidarity among all people of goodwill. Citing Pope Benedict XVI, he described inter-religious dialogue as "a journey together—though with differing images of God—towards the same source of Light."

Cardinal Koovakad further affirmed that true dialogue reveals faith as a force that unites more than it divides, fortifying humanity's hope for a just and compassionate world. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he reminded the audience that "religion, at its core, is not a source of conflict, but a wellspring of healing and reconciliation." In closing, he urged all present to persist in the mission of peace, despite obstacles and scepticism, and to remain steadfast as "pilgrims of hope and builders of peace," sowing seeds of goodness wherever they go.

The event concluded with a heartfelt address by Dr Sybil Thomas, Principal of St Andrew's College, Bandra. She extended a gracious Vote of Thanks to the dignitaries, particularly Cardinal Oswald Gracias and Archbishop John Rodrigues, for entrusting the College with the mission of promoting inter-religious dialogue. Dr Thomas encouraged everyone to carry forward the legacy of St Francis by nurturing fraternity in our city, and working hand in hand to build peace and harmony.

This inter-faith celebration was a tapestry woven from words, music, and spirit—a radiant blend of faith and artistry. Beyond its formal intent to promote peace among religions, it also celebrated the profound cultural richness that each faith brings to humanity's shared story. It was not a theological debate, but a living testament to shared human values: compassion, dignity, and solidarity. The evening stood as a luminous reminder that all religions can co-exist peacefully, without competition or conflict—embodying India's cherished ideal of "Unity in Diversity" — a harmony that echoes across cultures, and indeed, across faiths.

Kim Dias is currently working as an Editorial Assistant with the Examiner. 

A Symphony of Love

Fr Joshan Rodrigues

We celebrate October 5 this year as Thanksgiving Sunday. In India, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in different cultures and regions on different days, primarily as a harvest festival. Locally known as Aagera, it is a day to express gratitude to the Divine, who is a source of sustenance and survival. It is also an acknowledgment that God is the Primary Mover of Creation, and that every gift and blessing that we derive from Nature is a result of God's abundant generosity.

October is also a month filled with light, for it brings us two feasts that stand like twin beacons—St Francis of Assisi on October 4, and Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. What could be common to both these feasts, one might ask?

St Francis of Assisi remains one of the most beloved saints, not merely for his simplicity, but for the way his entire life became a song of praise to God. He saw the fingerprints of the Creator everywhere: in the sun and the moon, in fire and water, in the birds that sang and the lepers he embraced. His Canticle of the Creatures is not a naïve poem of Nature-worship, but a profound hymn of theology. For Francis, every creature was a brother or sister, leading him to love the Creator more fully.

This vision is strikingly relevant today, in a world that often sees Nature as a resource to exploit, rather than a gift to cherish. Francis invites us to behold Creation with the eyes of gratitude, to hear in its harmony the whisper of divine love, and to let it draw us closer to God.

Just days after celebrating Francis, the Church turns its gaze to Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Rosary is often described as a garland of roses offered to Our Lady, but it is also a school of prayer, where Mary teaches us to contemplate the face of her Son. Through its mysteries—Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious—we journey with Christ from the manger to the Cross, and from the empty tomb to the eternal glory of heaven.

In the Rosary, Mary shares her contemplative heart with us. At Cana, she teaches us to "do whatever He tells you." At Calvary, she remains steadfast at the foot of the Cross. At Pentecost, she prays with the newborn Church. Each bead is a step along the pilgrim path of faith, binding us more closely to Jesus.

What, then, unites Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of the Rosary? At their heart lies the same truth: to love God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength. Francis found God in the beauty of Creation; Mary shows us God in the mysteries of salvation. Francis heard the Gospel and strove to live it courageously without compromise; Mary pondered the Word made flesh within her, treasuring it silently in her heart. Both point us not to themselves, but to Jesus.

There is also a striking simplicity in their paths. Francis stripped himself of wealth and ambition so as to be poor with the poor Christ. Mary, in her humility, declared herself the handmaid of the Lord. Neither sought greatness, yet both became great because their lives were emptied of self and filled with God. Even Creation and the Rosary are linked. When Francis raised his voice to praise Brother Sun and Sister Moon, he was entering into a cosmic prayer—a Rosary of Creation itself. And when we take the beads in our hands, we too engage in a rhythm that unites Heaven and Earth: prayers whispered on Earth rise like incense, joining the song of angels and the praise of saints.

In our noisy, distracted, and often fragmented world, these October feasts call us back to essentials. Slow down, look at the world around you, and recognise the Creator's handiwork. Don't let technology or consumerism blind you to the wonder of a sunrise, the song of a bird, or the dignity of a neighbour. Look at the Creator's Glory not through the camera lens of your phone, but through your eyes of wonder, love and thanksgiving. Praying the Rosary will help steady your heart, and allow you to surrender the chaos and worry of life to the God of Peace. The Rosary is not an escape from life, but a way to see life through the eyes of faith, just as Mary did.

Together, Francis and Mary offer us a two-fold path: contemplation and action, prayer and praise, devotion and mission. Both St Francis and Mother Mary are 'luminaries of love', and their lives of faith a 'Symphony of Love'.

Christian Journalism in a Digital Age: Prophetic Courage Amid Shifting Landscapes

Christian journalists must widen their horizons and step beyond 'churchy' narratives, engaging instead with the vast canvas of society," urged Bishop Malcolm Sequeira of Amravati. He was speaking on September 20, at the annual awards ceremony of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), held at Inigo Sadan, Jnana Deepa campus, Pune. Addressing an audience of senior journalists, editors, publishers, stakeholders, and awardees, Bishop Malcolm underscored that Christian media professionals are entrusted with a sacred vocation: to uphold truth with integrity, to challenge injustice with prophetic courage, and to do so without surrendering to prejudice. His call, sharp and urgent, was framed against the backdrop of an age riddled with misinformation and biased narratives.

The three-day Convention, hosted at Inigo Sadan from September 19–21, revolved around the theme "Print Journalism in the Digital Age: Staying Relevant and Navigating Challenges."

The awards ceremony shone a light on distinguished contributions across fields. Fr Anthony Charanghat, former Editor of The Examiner newsweekly which is based in Mumbai, received the Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism. Founded in 1850 by British Jesuits, The Examiner remains India's oldest English-language Catholic news weekly, and this year, proudly marks 175 years of publication.

Fr Cherubim Tirkey of Ranchi—author and editor of the Jharkhand Express in Hindi—was honoured with the Swamy Devanand Chakkungal Award for his service to Hindi literature.

Sr Lismy CMC was conferred the Blessed James Alberione Award for Excellence in Media Production. The J. Maurus Award for Excellence in Book Authorship was presented to young Mangaluru-based writer and orator Reshel Bretny Fernandes for her book Bharat@2047: Role of the Youth.

These honours were bestowed by Bishop Malcolm, Bishop Henry D'Souza (ICPA's Ecclesiastical Advisor), and the outgoing Association President, Ignatius Gonsalves.

The Convention also celebrated milestones in Catholic publishing: The Examiner's 175th year; Cherupushpam magazine of Kochi completing its centenary; the Society of St Paul marking 90 years of service in India; and Nam Vazhvu magazine of Chennai stepping into its golden jubilee.

Delivering the keynote address, veteran journalist and media trainer Carol Andrade—retired Dean of St Paul's College of Communication Education, Mumbai—declared that "Print media must adapt without altering its DNA." She argued that newspapers, though in decline, retain immense value when coupled with robust online editions. A hybrid model, strengthened by hyper-local reporting, she said, offers a lifeline in turbulent times.

Ms Andrade noted that the print industry has suffered severely, with advertising revenue plunging by 25 per cent, and several publications shuttering. English dailies, she observed, are losing readers, while regional newspapers continue to thrive with 450 million daily readers. Yet, she cautioned that the growing digital penetration in rural India could soon challenge vernacular publications as well.

Turning to journalism schools, Andrade insisted that curricula must embrace multimedia; students should learn to write with precision, shoot short videos, fact-check, and publish seamlessly across platforms. While digital platforms dominate, she affirmed that print endures because of its depth, objectivity, and insightfulness.

Her keynote was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Fr Joby, Provincial of the Pauline Fathers. Panelists included a distinguished line-up: author and educator Fr Sajith Cyriac SSP; Fr Biju Alappat, Secretary of the CBCI Office for Social Communications; social activist and author Fr Cedric Prakash SJ; Diana Martin of Amazon India (Pune); journalist Renjith Leen from Kochi; Fr Anthony Charanghat of The Examiner; Fr Anthony Pancras of The New Leader (Chennai);  Fr Gaurav Nair of Indian Currents (Delhi); Fr Raj Sekharan of Nam Vazhvu (Chennai); Lawrence Coelho of The Secular Citizen (Mumbai); Fr Anthony Ittikunnath of Jyotir Dhara representing Cherupushpam (Kochi); and Fr Gratian Alvares of Raknno (Mangaluru).

For more than six decades, the ICPA has served as a forum uniting Catholic editors, journalists, and publishers across India—advocating for ethical journalism and offering a common platform for dialogue.

As the 30th National Convention drew to a close on September 21, the ICPA issued a forceful statement. It called on journalists and media houses to defend Constitutional freedoms, revive the relevance of print, and respond creatively to the digital upheaval.

The statement warned that India's pluralistic democracy faces growing threats from communalism, corruption, and attacks on Constitutional values. "Truth and justice have taken a backseat," it lamented, condemning what it described as the abdication of responsibility by large sections of the media. India's abysmal ranking—151 out of 180 countries—in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, it noted, was nothing less than a clarion call to safeguard free expression.

Still, the Association expressed optimism: "Print journalism today is alive and vibrant," it affirmed, urging print professionals to complement their work with digital outreach that can awaken and conscientise readers. Delegates were exhorted to revisit editorial priorities and ensure their publications respond to "the signs of the times."

As part of this commitment, the ICPA unveiled a thematic book of essays by seasoned journalists and media thinkers—a handbook for navigating the crossroads of print and digital.

The gathering also carried a tone of remembrance. Delegates marked the nearing close of the Church's Jubilee Year, and offered tributes to Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025. They recalled his insistence on communication that heals wounds and nourishes hope. Quoting from his final message for the 59th World Day of Social Communications (June 1, 2025), they remembered his appeal: "Always spread hope, even when it is difficult… Try to promote a communication that can heal the wounds of our humanity."

In their concluding pledge, ICPA members committed themselves to staying relevant, facing challenges with prophetic courage, and upholding truth, while embodying the Gospel values of compassion, justice, and peace. They resolved to harness both print and digital platforms to sustain independent, responsible journalism that serves the common good.

During its Annual General Body Meeting, the Association elected new office-bearers. Fr Suresh Mathew OFM Cap, former editor of Indian Currents and the incumbent Secretary, was unanimously chosen as President, succeeding veteran journalist Ignatius Gonsalves. Sr Tessy Jacob SSpS was elected unopposed as Secretary. Fr Sajith Cyriac SSP, a prolific author, will serve as Vice-President. Senior journalist Renjith Leen was re-elected unopposed as Joint Secretary.

Thus concluded the 30th National Convention of the ICPA—a gathering that did more than distribute awards or debate survival strategies. It reaffirmed journalism's sacred duty: to defend democracy, give voice to the voiceless, and speak the truth with compassion in an age both digital and divided.

(Compiled from Catholic Connect news reports)