Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bombay (Agenzia Fides) – A solemn prayer meeting will be held on Christmas Day in Bombay, to remember the victims of terrorism and the citizens' commitment to peace and coexistence in harmony. The Bombay Catholic Sabha, a lay Catholic group in the city, is organizing the event with the help and collaboration of many other associations, movements, and NGOs.
The Catholics there are making an effort to use silence and prayer to express the testimony of harmony and unity, desire for peace and reconciliation that is shared by citizens of Bombay, and all India.
The poster announcing the event says: “One month after the violence broke out, the commemoration on December 25 will pay homage to the victims of the terrorist attacks of November 26. The encounter will remember all those citizens who lost their lives, those who have been victims of aggressions, who have not only seen houses be destroyed in Bombay, but in other parts of the nation where violence has been reported in recent months. We ask the citizens to participate and express their solidarity, with concrete donations and acts to support those who have no home or who have lost properties and means of support.” The manifestation will be, therefore, also an occasion to promote gestures of support and solidarity towards the victims of the violence in Orissa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other Indian states.
Following the attacks in Bombay, the Bombay Catholic Sabha movement, supported by Cardinal Oswald Gracia, Archbishop of Bombay, played an important role in leading the fight against terrorism and rejecting every form of violence. It has built bridges between the various positive forces in society to create a network of associations and organizations, so as to promote the demonstrations, etc. (see Fides 4/12/2008, 10/12/2008), making the voice of the people heard and reestablishing peaceful coexistence among religions and communities in society. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/12/2008)
