Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - “The whole country is shaken and shares our grief. This demonstration of solidarity and affection is unprecedented and totally unexpected. The entire nation appears to be in mourning”, said Rev. Donald De Souza, vice secretary of the Indian Bishops’ Conference referring to how people in India are reacting to the news of the death of Pope John Paul II.
“Churches are filled to capacity on this Sunday. Many people stayed to pray all night. Outside churches large photographs of the Pope have been put on display, this is the custom in India, and unceasing flows of people come to pay their respects, light a lamp, leave a garland of flowers. The greater part are not Catholics, they are Hindus, Buddhist, Muslims. Everyone is obviously keenly aware that the world has lost a man of God, a great Christian leader, but a leader who was followed by many non Christians and non believers too” Rev De Souza told Fides. “We know that a group of bishops will accompany our three Indian Cardinals to Rome and certainly others, clergy and laity, who can afford the journey will want to go to Rome to pay their last respects the John Paul II” the priest said. “The Pope - he concluded - has always shown great love for the people of India and he came to know us particularly through Mother Teresa of Calcutta who was very close to the Pope”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2005 righe 27 parole 273)
