ASIA/PAKISTAN - Religions united for World Prayer Day on May 14th

Wednesday, 13 May 2020 prayer fasting charity dialogue coronavirus pope francis islam religious minorities

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Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - "All religions are invited to unite spiritually for a Day of prayer, fasting and works of charity. I invite and encourage all our faithful, parishes, institutions to be united to end Covid-19": this is the appeal launched by Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop of Karachi who, in response to Pope Francis' call, invited the faithful in Pakistan to celebrate and actively take part in the special Day planned by the "Committee for Human Fraternity" on May 14, 2020. Speaking with Fides, the Cardinal said: "We hope that God will listen to our prayers, raised in unity, and be merciful to our world".
All Christian communities of different denominations will celebrate the special Day of May 14 in Pakistan, in spiritual communion with the faithful of other religions, such as Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore, encouraging the faithful, parishioners, priests and nuns in his diocese said: "The pandemic has affected the whole world with its harmful effects, there are many victims and many are still struggling for life in hospitals and isolation wards. In this critical situation, in unity with the Holy Father, I urge people of all faiths to join the cause to pray, fast and carry out works of charity for the end of the pandemic". In particular, he added, "the faith of Christians is an Easter faith: we follow the One who defeated death and brought us life. It is He who gives us courage and helps us to keep our hope alive in the Almighty, even in this difficult moment".
In the diocese of Islamabad Rawalpindi, Archbishop Joseph Arshad strongly encouraged the faithful to take part in the Day which will also involve numerous communities of Muslim faithful. "Let us show unity in this moment of common need and use the weapons of prayer, fasting and charity, proper to all believers", said the Archbishop, addressing all the communities of his diocese.
Speaking to Fides, the Archbishop said: "In this difficult moment, it is human that many of us experience considerable fear and anxiety. However, as people of faith in Jesus Christ, we must not panic: we are called to place our trust and hope in God who loves us tenderly, mercifully and promises to be with us even in these times of great suffering and pain". (AG-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 13/5/2020)