ASIA/INDONESIA - Bali bomb explosions: in a pastoral statement Bishop of Denpasar announced month of special prayers for victims and families and to promote reconciliation

Denpasar (Fides Service) - There is widespread fear and grief among the people of Bali after bomb blasts struck this famous holiday resort once again. In the evening of Saturday 1 October bomb blasts in three different restaurants killed at least 27 people and injured 120. This new act of terrorism came almost on the anniversary of the mortal attacks on 12 October 2002 which left 202 dead and at least 300 injured.
The Catholic community has expressed condolences to the stricken families and assured them of prayers. The Catholic Bishop of Denpasar capital of Bali, Benyamin Yosef Bria issued a pastoral statement condemning terrorist attacks expressing sympathy with the grieving families and solidarity to all the Balinese.
The Bishop has asked for special prayers for the victims and families and the country at all Sunday Masses on 9 October. The Catholic community will pray that Bali may find again serenity and brotherhood and that God may free humanity from the nightmare of terrorism.
The Bishop also asked Catholics in Indonesia to pray for the victims, their families and for reconciliation all through this month of October, traditionally the month of the Rosary. He urged Catholics to add to their Rosary prayer an intention for those who lost their lives and the grieving families and also that hearts may be reconciled. Bishop Bria said people must not lose hope, all Indonesians, Christians and Muslims, must not give up efforts for dialogue and to promote reconciliation.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/10/2005 rughe 22 parole 224)