Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – “The special Day of Fasting and Prayer on September 7 will be an opportunity to call upon God with confidence that He will unite Christians of all denominations in India. In an ecumenical union, we will pray side by side for an end to violence and in defense of life.” With these words, Fr. Babu Joseph, Spokesman for the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in speaking with the Agenzia Fides on the event to take place on September 7, in light of the recent anti-Christian attacks in Orissa.
Fr. Babu tells Fides: “The Day will be celebrated in the churches, from dawn until dusk, with prayers, the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, and a Prayer Vigil. We will be praying for the victims of Orissa and for their families, and for the Christians forced to flee from their homes. We will pray for peace, unity, and harmony for the nation, asking God to dispel the violence and hate from our hearts.”
“We will also be united to all men of good will, as well as Hindu and Muslim faithful, and even civil authorities.”
“We need to offer this sign to the entire Indian population, of the need to protect and safeguard the lives of all our citizens, whatever religious beliefs they may have. We hope to remind the people that India has always been a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious country and that peace is possible. All citizens are equal in the eyes of the law and in their dignity as persons, in the eyes of God and those of men. All should be guaranteed respect for their inalienable rights.”
Fr. Babu emphasized the positive nature of the Day. “We want this Day to be a moment of unity for the country, in opposition to the violence, to all ideological fundamentalism, every political, social, or religious discrimination. We are inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta and we call upon her protection. Tomorrow (September 5) is her feast day and she has been a model for us, and especially for India, of universal compassion.”
The Day will be celebrated throughout the entire country, in Orissa as well. The Bishops’ Spokesman concluded saying: “We are afraid that in Orissa – although the initiative is peaceful and non-violent, focused on a spiritual dimension – that it could lead to further tensions, with possible reactions from fundamentalist groups which are still not being kept under control. Thus, we have asked that the government take greater precautions to guarantee the protection of Christian citizens.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/9/2008)
