Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - "The Day dedicated to the martyrs of Orissa, recently established by the Bishops of that state, is important it becomes a national celebration for the entire Indian Church": is the opinion expressed to Fides by Capuchin friar Fr. Nithiya Sagayam OFM.Cap. The friar already in 2008, in the aftermath of the anti-Christian massacres that shook the district of Khandamal, organized a Mass in Calcutta and a commemoration of the victims, involving the "Justice and Peace" Commission and the local Caritas. Since then, on August 25 each year several Christian communities, scattered in the Indian territory, have recalled the anniversary of the violence that struck the Christians.
Now that the Bishops of Orissa have decided to officially establish a "Day of the martyrs", the Capuchin notes: "Those martyrs not only belong to Orissa, but to the entire Indian Church. Their sacrifice is an inspiration to all Christians: this is why I am committed to raising awareness at all levels to ensure that the Day is proclaimed as an initiative of the Bishops' Conference of India, celebrated by the whole Church". Friar Nithiya Sagayam will do it starting from the Association of Franciscan Families of India (AFFI), a body of which he is the coordinator, and brings together the followers of Francis of Assisi, friars, nuns and laity present in India. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 03/09/2015)
