INDIA The prayer of the Indian dioceses for peace in Manipur

At the initiative of the Episcopal Conference, a day of prayer and solidarity with the victims of the violence that has been experienced for two months in the northeastern state was held throughout the country. Eucharistic adoration, human chains and torchlight processions to ask the New Delhi government not to remain indifferent.

Mumbai () – Many local Churches across India yesterday joined the request of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) to celebrate a Sunday of solidarity and prayer for the victims of the violence that has plagued the northeastern state for two months from Manipur. A moment that was lived around July 3, the feast of Saint Thomas, which has been celebrated for some years as Indian Christian Day.

In the state of Tamil Nadu, for example, many parishes in the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore held liturgies, torchlight processions and rallies to bring peace and harmony to Manipur. Participants expressed their disappointment at the lack of adequate measures by the New Delhi government to stem this wave of violence. Although it is a fight between ethnic groups, it is sad to see so many Christians being attacked, churches being burned and targeted attacks taking place.

Archbishop Francis Kalist called a special collection for the people of Manipur, where there are tens of thousands of displaced people. The funds raised will be sent to Caritas India, which supports the solidarity initiatives launched by the Diocese of Imphal. Fr Raj, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pedryanayagi in Konankuppam, told : “In our sanctuary, after Sunday mass, human chains and prayers were made in which all the men and women who were present participated. Together they promised to work to maintain peace and harmony in the country.”

From the State of Orissa -victim of the serious persecution of 2008- the Archbishop of Cuttack Bhubaneswar, Mons. John Barwa, declared to : “In our diocese we celebrate adorations and we are taking collections to send them. Our people feel the pain and suffering of the inhabitants of Manipur, they know the trauma of hiding in the forests, of seeing their houses and churches destroyed and the suffering of living in refugee camps. We are united with Manipur in prayer and solidarity, hoping that they can be a balm for their wounds.”