Lunch with the Pope changed this alcoholic’s life
We never know when our lives will be changed forever by the actions of another, which is how Thomson Philip came to run a Bible app recognized by his country's bishops.
Anto Akkara is a journalist covering South Asia. With a masters in English literature, post graduate diploma in journalism and LL.B from Delhi University, Anto Akkara has been a journalist with international media for over three decades.
He has covered extensively hot spots in South Asia: Sri Lankan war, oppression in Myanmar, and birth of democracy and devastating earthquake of 2015 in Nepal. In the process, he has won a dozen national and international media awards including (St.) Titus Brandsma award for journalism in 2013 for his advocacy for Truth & Justice for persecuted Christians of Kandhamal in eastern Odisha state.
Latest articles by Anto Akkara
Kerala Catholics celebrate feast with elephants in Hindu tradition
Since 1982, in a show of interfaith unity, the tradition of elephants has been incorporated into this Church feast, with no incidents.
Exclusive photos: India’s joyous celebration of the canonization of lay martyr St. Devasahayam
Tortured for abandoning his Hindu faith and converting to Catholicism, Devasahayam was followed by an increasing number of devotees until his tormentors finally killed him.
Exclusive photos: Covid turns India’s gorgeous Catholic feasts somber
The once-boisterous celebrations with intricately illuminated churches have been toned down, but the faith that inspired them remains strong, and the money saved has gone to help the needy.
A German Jesuit wrote this “salvation history” for Kerala, India
Modeled after Hindu epics, the "Puthen Pana" or "New Path" recounts the story of Christianity in poetic form, and is still recited today.
Exclusive photos: In Kerala, India, a magnificent shrine to St. Thomas the Apostle
A giant granite cross stands at the entrance to the Palayur shrine, marking the spot where the "Apostle of India" erected a cross.
Catholic Indian “martyr” from Indian-Chinese conflict is bid a tearful adieu at funeral
The funeral for Chandrakant Pradhan, a 28-year old Catholic who was among Indian soldiers killed in the clash with Chinese soldiers, was attended by hundreds in Kandhamal, India.
Church on Edge as Nepal Undergoes Birth Pangs of New Constitution
Christianity will finally be officially recognized, but will it be infringed upon?
Sister Nirmala Recalled as Living the Beatitudes
Mother Teresa's successor laid to rest
In Nepal, Fears of Fresh Quakes and Monsoon Mudslides Hinder Relief
Aid agencies scurrying to provide aid in deadly circumstances
Nepal’s Miracle Girl Escapes Being Mistakenly Cremated By a Hair
Mother walks half a day to rescue her from among the dead
Conversions Up in India—Away from Christianity
‘Home coming’ terror greets Indian churches on Christmas eve
Pope, Church in Pakistan Condemn “Barbaric” Massacre of School Children
Taliban attack leaves 148 people, mostly students, dead.
Church Fire, Hindu Goddess in Schools, Trumped-Up Charges: Christians in India Face Mounting Pressure
Concerned citizens take their case to Modi government.
Chavara, a New Indian Saint Who Was a “Spiritual and Social Revolutionary”
A devout Christian in a non-Christian land who worked on behalf of all
Pressure Mounts on Pakistan to Curb Muslim “Hate Speech”
Bishops, others say imams bear share of blame for blasphemy law killings.
Indian Doctor Charged in Sterilization Deaths Had Been Honored for Population Control Efforts
14 women die after undergoing voluntary procedure to limit country's population.
Concern Grows Over Death Sentence for Pakistani Christian Who “Blasphemed” Muhammad
But the United States supports laws criminalizing "offensive" speech.
India Under Modi Sees Increase in Attacks on Christians, Critics Charge
Growing number of atrocities worries religious minorities
India Christians Still Await Justice Six Years After Radical Hindu Attack
But Hindus and Muslim join Christians in solidarity march to mark anniversary.