North East Catholic Research Forum

The North East Catholic Research Forum expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad.    **//**    The North East Catholic Research Forum joins billions of Catholics around the world in congratulating Pope Leo XIV    **//**    The North East Catholic Research Forum is saddened by the demise of Pope Francis and join the Catholic community in mourning his death in prayer.

Latest from us

Caring Our Mother Earth: Pathways to Conservation

Opinion | Articles | Vincent T Darlong |

When God created the earth “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:18). After he created man, God has put him in the Garden of Eden to care for it (Genesis 2:15). But today, we seem to be doing just opposite to what God had intended. Instead of caring for t.....

Recapitulating on the emergence of Dioceses in North East India

Opinion | Articles | Penny Rose Chinir |

Cursory glance at the emergence of Northeast India Dioceses The Catholic dioceses of Northeast India have its roots from 1870 when Assam became part of the prefecture apostolic of Krishnagar. Fr Jacob Broy of the Foreign Missions of Milan was the first r.....

Bless me, father

Opinion | Articles | Desmond L. Kharmawphlang |

Bless me, father Lying flat on his back, wild grasses teasing his face, Rimeki stared at the sky. Mesmerized by the theatre of clouds, like tufts of cotton or tula as the fluffy material is called in these parts, stretched in a pattern as far as his eye.....

Peter Unchained: A personal Experience

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Peter Unchained: A personal Experience In February 2017, I was in Rome to attend the marriage of my niece to an Italian. The nuptials were held in the church of San Giuseppe Dei Falegnami constructed above the Prigione Dei SS Apostoli Pietro e Paolo, n.....

Golden Jubilee Year of Kohima Diocese Inaugurated

Opinion | Articles | Editorial Team |

The Diocese of Kohima (Catholic Church in Nagaland), erected in the year 1973, entered the Jubilee Year with the official inauguration at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral on October 16 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Simultaneously the.....

NERYC sponsored Youth Convention in Imphal

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Packed Convention Hall at the Catholic School, Canchipur, Imphal

NERYC sponsored Youth Convention in Imphal The fourth edition of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) North East, was co-hosted by North East Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) and the Manipur Catholic Youth Organisation (MCYO) from October 22 to 26 at t.....

Arunachal Pradesh Gets the Third Indigenous Priest

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Newly ordained Priest with others

Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao ordained father Vincent Rangwang in an impressive ceremony at Lazu Parish in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on October 10, 2022. Father Rangwang is the first Catholic priest from the Ollo community, and the third .....

The Mongolian Contribution to Our Civilization

Opinion | Articles | Thomas Menamparampil |

The Mongolian Contribution to Our Civilization The Mongolian Contribution Calls for Recognition It is generally recognised that in ancient days, Bihar and further east was inhabited by Mongolian and Austro-Asiatic tribes. Possibly, some of the weste.....

Centenary Hallmarks of Christianity among the Moyons of Manipur

Opinion | Articles | Penny Rose Chinir |

The advent of Christianity in Manipur dates back to 1894 with the arrival of Rev. William Pettigrew, a young English missionary who ventured out to the Naga hills in 1896. However, the dawn of Christianity among the Moyons began with the baptism of Nungch.....

A Culture of Life in the Families

Opinion | Articles | Samuel D. Baite |

Introduction In the world we live there exist two opposite cultures about life – ‘the culture of life’ and ‘the culture of death’, the latter growing fast and destroying the former. The culture of life believes that human life at all stages from concepti.....

Government onslaught on Christians: The Church in India has a Task cut out

Opinion | Articles | John Dayal |

Supreme Court order on Sept 26 seeking a government response to a petition that pleaded for strict action against “religious conversion through fraud and intimidation” will not translate immediately into a national law against conversions to Christianity .....

Dilution, Clericalism, overshadow National Syntheses

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

The Synod on Synodality was kick-started in October 2021.The first phase, the national level, was to conclude by 15th August 2022 and the National Syntheses (NS) were to be sent to the Synod Secretariat at the Vatican. A communiqué from Rene Reid, Direct.....

Archbishop John Moolachira gave a clarion call to protect Mother Earth

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Archbishop John Moolachira

Addressing the North East India Pastoral Conference 2022 in Guwahati on September 14, 2022, Archbishop Moolachira, President, North East India Regional Bishops Council (NEIRBC) gave a clarion call to protect ‘Mother Earth”. Invoking passages from the Bibl.....

NECCOD Welcomes New Comers in a Glittering Function

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

NECCOD Chaplain, President NECCOD and Special Invitee

NECCOD Welcomes New Comers in a Glittering Function The North East Catholic Community, Delhi (NECCOD) staged a glittering function at the Rosary Sr. Secondary School, Kingsway Camp on September 4, to welcomed new comers to Delhi NCR, particularly studen.....

Editorial

Ominous Signs and the Catholic response

India is a country that boasts staggering diversity—a colourful mix few in the world have the privilege of sharing. Since independence and the enactment of the constitution, freedom, liberty, and equality before the law has always been our treasured right.....

The New Pope and His Message

This time, 1.39 billion Catholics across the globe were fortunate to see the white smoke come out of the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day as Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected by the cardinal conclave in the fourth round of voting, one less than .....

The Pope didn’t Sulk or Shun

The Vatican News released a video of Pope Francis extending Easter greetings to a multitude of people at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, which was one day before his final journey to the eternal world. A close look at that video reveals that the Holy Father w.....

The CBCI blinks yet again

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), regarded as a father figure by an estimated 23 million Catholics in this country, has yet again shown lack of wisdom while taking decision on crucial matters. While the organization may like to downplay som.....

Persecution as an Opportunity

The history of the church is replete with stories of persecution; the crucifixion of Christ itself being the greatest of all. Rome, where the Vatican, the supreme seat of the Pontiff, stands today, in fact was one of the foremost places where Christian pe.....

Weaving a Christian Relationship

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, in his book, Toward A True Kinship of Faith, wrote, “I have boundless respect for my Buddhist faith, but to see it within the context of its brother and sister religions has afforded me a vision of the grandeur and exten.....

We hope the Church Hierarchy is listening

According to the media report, the son of a pastor, Ramesh Baghel, has been prevented from burying the dead body of his late father in the village cemetery because some Hindutva activists from his village did not allow the burial to take place. He appeale.....

The Twin Pillars of the Catholic Church

Dealing with the differences between the laity and clergy, the two pillars of the church, is a perpetual problem for the Catholic Church. Though the problem is real and sometimes threatens to tear apart the cohesiveness of the synodal church, it has alway.....

It is time Christians learn to read things between the lines

The recent statement from the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, proposing a regulatory body to oversee church properties akin to temple boards and waqf boards for Hindus and Muslims, undoubtedly raises concerns. However, given the number of controve.....

Look within, before gazing afar

Pope Francis has already announced the names of 21 new Cardinals who will officially assume the new role on December 8th, 2024. Following their appointment as cardinal-elects, the Holy Father wrote a short but powerful letter to all these men, who would s.....

The AICU needs to explore beyond its current boundaries.

The All India Catholic Union, which is the apex body of lay Catholics in India, was born well ahead of India's independence. It is a union with inclusive representation, upholding the Catholic faithful's mandate from all three rites of the Catholic family.....

Wayanad: Another wakeup calls for Mankind

Wayanad in Kerala is considered to be one of the rural districts in the state that has many attractions: a wildlife sanctuary, lush green forest cover, high altitude comfort, home to animals including Asian elephants, tigers, and leopards, and mesmerizing.....

Previous Articles

The Blame Game Continues

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

The Blame Game Continues A highly respected and erudite clergyman from Kerala sends me his articles. Of late he has made three claims: 1. The Jews killed Jesus 2. Priests have always manipulated people to commit violent acts, justified in the nam.....

A Reflection on Christmas

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

Four months ago, I conducted a few sessions during a retreat held at Christeen Retreat Centre, Kottayam, Kerala. The participants consisted of a bishop, priests, nuns and lay Catholics. The topic that I dealt was: Cross, Death and Resurrection. I presente.....

NEIRBC Gets a new Education Commission Team

Current Updates | Editorial Pick | Editorial team

Guwahati, June 25, 2025 – The Northeast Bishops Council’s Commission for Education has appointed a new leadership team, with Fr. Dr. Paul Pudussery, a Holy Cross priest, taking the helm. This transition marks the third leadership handover since the commis.....

The Hug, Unplugged

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

On 31st October 2021, Christians in India woke up to a screaming headline, accompanied by a large photograph of Pope Francis and Narendra Modi hugging each other. It evoked mixed reactions. As per views expressed in the Catholic media, it gave an impressi.....

Contribution of Christian Missionaries to the Linguistic and Ethnic Identity of the People of Northeast India through the Bible

Opinion | Articles | George Plathottam

Contribution of Christian Missionaries to the Linguistic and Ethnic Identity of the People of Northeast India through the Bible Introduction: The paper examines the contribution of the pioneer Christian missionaries who through the Bible provided.....

Taw Tebin, and Pekhi Nabum, Re-elected APCA Leaders

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

Two prominent Catholic leaders of Arunachal Pradesh - Mr. Taw Tebin and Mr Pekhi Nabum, were re-elected as President and General Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) on November 28, 2021. Following their re-elections to the position,.....

Uniformity, Conformity, or Deformity?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

TV Debates and newspaper headlines are replete with news and views on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). They have generated more heat than light. That, sadly, may be what the UCC is all about. Let us go b.....

A Mizo Folk Tale - Offering of food and grains to the deceased

Current Updates | Culture | Luke Sangkima

Long ago once upon a time, there lived two lovers named Tlingi and Ngama. As lovers, they met each other in some undisclosed locations only known to them. One day they agreed to meet near a hillock which both knew. In those days, their village was at war.....

Politically religious or religiously political?

Opinion | People's Edit | G.L. Khing

Human beings are political and religious by nature. The combination of both enables the smooth functioning of the State. The sharp contrast between the two brings chaos, fear and violence. As the trumpet of election blows, there emerges a contrasting soun.....

Indian women live in an unsafe environment

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

This year India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on August 15, marking 77 years since the first anniversary of independence. As usual, hoisting of the national flag, colourful decorations, illuminations, fire crackers, cultural events, and tea par.....

Catholic Church in Manipur supplements Government’s Covid care effort

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

In what may be termed as a major move by the Catholic Church towards combating Covid – 19, the Archbishop of Imphal, Manipur, wrote to a letter to the Government of Manipur on May, 20, 2021, offering to make several Catholic service centres, including a p.....

Education

Job Fair in Don Bosco Kohima

College | NECARF Rep |

Job Fair Notice

For kind attention of young boys and girls who are interested in getting recruited in different Comnpaies......

Step in to the World of Journalism and Mass Media

College | NECARF Rep |

Niscort Media College

For those who aspire for the world of Mass media.....

Avail Early Bird Discount in Media Studies

College | NECARF Rep |

Admission Notice

NISCORT, one of the Premier Media Colleges in the National Capital area, announces admission for several graduate and post-graduate level courses in Media studies. Interested students may visit www.niscort.com for details......

NISCORT Announces three different courses in Journalism and Mass Communication

College | NECARF Rep |

aa

For those Interested in Journalism studies, the above affordable courses comes as a boon.....

NICORT Media College Announces Short Courses in Media fields

College | NECARF Rep |

Annoucment

NICORT Media College Announces Short Courses in Media fields.....

For those interested to make a Career in Mass Media and Journalism, NISCORT provides the opportunity

College | NECARF Rep |

NISCORT opens Admissions for Course in Mass Media and Journalism

NISCORT opens Admissions for Course in Mass Media and Journalism.....

Current Updates

NEIRBC Gets a new Education Commission Team

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Guwahati, June 25, 2025 – The Northeast Bishops Council’s Commission for Education has appointed a new leadership team, with Fr. Dr. Paul Pudussery, a Holy Cross priest, taking the helm. This transition marks the third leadership handover since the commis.....

Francis’s Bottle Craft: Miniature Homes in Glasses

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

The Miniature Artist of Sikkim

In a quiet corner of Sikkim’s Lingzey, Gairigaon, an artist has been creating entire worlds inside bottles—one intricate house at a time. Meet Mr Francis Rai, the man behind Francis Bottle Crafts, whose passion for miniature architecture has turned into b.....

Convenor of ICF writes open letters to four Indian Cardinals

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

In an open letter to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, Cardinal Antony Poola, and Cardinal George Koovakad, Chhotebhai, the Convenor of the Indian Catholic Forum, wrote that the Catholic community in India is proud of them, that.....

Christian Today in Conversation with Dr. John Dayal.

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

As India marks its 76th Republic Day, the Christian community faces what many describe as an unprecedented crisis of religious freedom. Recent appeals to both President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paint a troubling picture: over 720 in.....

Statement of Concerned Catholics

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

On Thursday 4 April 2024, Pope Francis in a very incisive message to the participants in the First Colloquium between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in the Vatican said, “We n.....

Pope Francis says he is frightened by escalation in war

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Pope Francis in an interview

In an interview on an Italian TV program, Pope Francis laments the risk of escalation in war, says he has no plans to resign, announces Apostolic Journeys to Polynesia and to Argentina, and reflects on ‘Fiducia supplicans’, saying “the Lord blesses everyo.....

Opinion

The Church Cannot Heal what it Refuses to Hear

Articles | James Pochury |

I often ask myself: why does the liturgy fail to move me? The sacraments, the Eucharist—so central to Catholic teaching—feel, at best, like rituals observed from afar, never truly touching the depths of my being. I’ve sat through Masses hoping for a word,.....

Student Suicides - A Silent Epidemic

Articles | M L Satyan |

A recent article with the headline: “Suicide of Ashir Nanda in Kerala: A Wake-Up Call for Schools” by Fr Suresh Mathew OFM Cap is an eye-opener. In his article he mentions that the recent suicide of 14-year-old Ashir Nanda, a Class 9 student at St. Do.....

The Holy Eucharist is Central to the Catholic Faith

People's Edit | G.L. Khing |

One of the most fundamental teachings and practices of the Catholic Church is the Holy Eucharist. The Church derives its life from the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Catholic faith because it is the sacrament in which Jesus giv.....

Radical Changes by Pope Leo-XIV

Articles | M L Satyan |

I watched a very inspirational and thought-provoking video on Pope Leo. The narrator mentions that the new Pope, soon after assuming the office of papacy, has made radical changes in the Catholic Church that are sending shock waves to the Catholics, espec.....

Emergency, Surrogacy, Suffocation

Articles | Chhotebhai |

Trains and aircraft have emergency exits. Not so with politics. I vividly recall this day 50 years ago. I was attending a Youth Animators’ Training Programme in Allahabad, the epicentre of the Emergency earthquake. It was promulgated by Prime Minister Ind.....

Ominous Signs and the Catholic response

Editorial | John S. Shilshi |

India is a country that boasts staggering diversity—a colourful mix few in the world have the privilege of sharing. Since independence and the enactment of the constitution, freedom, liberty, and equality before the law has always been our treasured right.....

Top