Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ahmedabad (Agenzia Fides) – The Year for Priests as an occasion for renewal of the Christian identity and witness for the entire world: this was the theme of a special day celebrated by the priests of the Diocese of Ahmedabad, the capital of the state of Gujarat, to celebrate the Year for Priests declared by Benedict XVI.
The Diocese's Bishop Thomas Macwan called together the priests and religious at the Nadiad Pastoral Center for a day of formation, communion, and sharing experiences. He exhorted the clergy to take advantage of the celebrations to be held this Year, being inspired by the figure of Saint John Maria Vianney, Patron of Priests.
The priests present reflected on the life and figure of the saint and concluded the day with a special Mass and reception.
Bishop Macwan spoke of the difficulties of priestly life and of the Christian faithful of Gujarat, the Indian state being infiltrated by Hindu extremism that often leads to violence and aggression towards the faithful. However, he exhorted those present to renew their Christian witness without fears, in the certainty that they will always be assisted and consoled by God's grace and the Holy Spirit. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 01/09/2009)
