Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – Last week, an image of St. Martin de Porres was presented to the community and placed at the main entrance of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in the Indian city of New Delhi, on the occasion of 48th anniversary of the canonization of the Saint. The ceremony was attended by various authorities and also the diplomatic representative of Peru in India, as well as the political authorities of the city.
The Archbishop of Delhi, Archbishop Vincent Michael Concessao, celebrated Mass before the blessing ceremony of the sacred image, during which the Ambassador of Peru in India called the Peruvian saint, St. Martin de Porres, a "patron of social justice ", highlighting his life dedicated to serving others and especially to helping the poor.
The link between these two countries so far, India and Peru, is provided by the Carmelite Order of the Immaculate Virgin, which currently plays an important social work in Peru, with the presence of 14 priests of the Indian state of Kerala: the religious order has given the image of the saint who was born in Lima, Peru, to the Cathedral of New Delhi.
The Order of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate is the first and the largest male religious congregation of the Catholic Church in India. Founded in Mannanam, Kerala, in 1831, the congregation has grown in Kerala and across India. It is currently present in 24 countries worldwide and has 6 bishops, 1,580 priests, 2 deacons, and 33 brothers. It has 177 communities that carry out pastoral and missionary work in different parts of the world. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2010)
