ASIA/INDIA - Catholic Bishops encourage all dioceses to organise special prayers for the speedy recovery of Pope John Paul II

Friday, 25 February 2005

New Delhi (Fides Service) - “The Church in India is following the condition of the Pope with apprehension. As soon as the Bishops heard that he had been admitted to hospital again they called on Catholics all over the country to pray for the Holy Father”: Father Babu Joseph, spokesman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, comprising Bishops of Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites told Fides. In churches throughout India special prayers are being said at all masses. The Pope is also remembered in the prayers of the faithful who gather for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in this Year of the Eucharist
Father Babu continued: “We are deeply moved by the way the Holy Father accepts and lives suffering: his heroic example helps us to live our own suffering more fruitfully. Even though suffering and frail the Pope is still a powerful promoter of universal peace and brotherhood among peoples. In India he is admired by all, Christians and non, as a great spiritual leader”.
Recalling Pope John Paul II’s message for Lent this year, which focussed on the elderly Father Babu said: “Old age means physical pain, decline in abilities and faculties. But the Pope reminds us that suffering, if lived in Jesus Christ, takes on significance: it is not useless, it becomes redemptive suffering. It is not a reason for despair it is a means for drawing closer to God and growing in holiness”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2005 righe 26 parole 254)


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