The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has formally authorised the opening of the cause of beatification for Christians killed by Hindu nationalists in 2008. The canonical process will involve Kanteshwar Digal, a lay catechist and a family man, and 34 companions. For Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, knowing that “our own brothers and sisters” have not been forgotten as witnesses of faith “is something great”.
The Bishops' Conference called on Catholics to hold a day of prayer and solidarity for the victims of the violence that has torn the north-eastern state for two months. To this end, eucharistic adorations, human chains and torchlight processions were held to spur the Indian government to act.