ASIA/INDIA - The Church in Bombay is working on the front line to offer aid and prayers for the victims of the attacks

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – The city of Bombay is still recovering from the aftershocks of yesterday's terrorist attacks that left over 100 people dead and 300 wounded. The local Church continues its prayers and service, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue for peace in India.
The Catholics of Bombay (nearly 510,000 faithful, out of a total population of 20 million inhabitants) is working to offer its contributions to alleviate that devastating effects of this tragedy in the society, working to build a culture favorable to peaceful coexistence among the various religious communities. As those responsible for the violence are linked to Islamic fundamentalist groups, the Church is trying to re-launch interreligious dialogue and the prohibition of any form of violence, based on an absolute respect for human life.
The Archdiocese has invited all the faithful to “kneel down and pray that bridges may be built between men, communities, and religions,” as Auxiliary Bishop Bosco Penha said. All the Masses being celebrated in the Archdioceses are being offered for the victims of the attacks, and for peace and religious harmony. “As Christians, we are called to increase our efforts and commitment to reconciliation, social harmony, and fraternity,” the Bishop said.
Lay associations have also begun working: Dolphy De Souza, President of the “Bombay Catholic Sabha,” said that “activities of this kind help us to better love our neighbor: we are prepared to work together, sharing our clinics and schools.”
Joseph Dias, Secretary General of the Catholic Secular Forum, recalled how the Catholic community will have an active role in building peace and harmony, explaining that his movement will work for the families affected by the tragedy and that Catholic volunteers are already working in the hospitals to help the wounded.
In a note written yesterday by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the Bishops condemned the attacks, expressing their solidarity to the families affected, praying for the prompt recuperation of the wounded, and especially recalling “those who continue to be held prisoner, that they may be freed as soon as possible.” The Bishops have also sent out an appeal to the people of Bombay, asking that they “maintain peace and harmony in this hour of suffering and pain,” once again calling all to an establish dialogue and peace, “the only path for a more civilized life in our society.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/11/2008)