(RVA News): Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India [CBCI], asked the Church in India observe a National Day of Prayer and Fasting on Friday, March 22.
“I exhort all of you to ensure that the National Day of Fasting and Prayer is observed most fruitfully in your respective dioceses, regions, and parishes so that the power of prayer is harnessed to its fullest for the good of our nation,” the CBCI president said in a communiqué.
Each diocese is planning to observe a day of prayer and fasting.
The Archdiocese of Calcutta came up with the following suggestions: Holy Mass, Chain Rosary, and Jericho Prayer; Holy Hour in every parish; 40 hours of adoration and fasting; night vigil; Way of the Cross; Divine Mercy at a specified time in every parish; Bible passage readings with reflection.
This solemn observance serves two purposes: to lift hearts in prayer for the Church in India and to intercede for the nation, particularly in light of the upcoming general elections. The call to prayer extends to all members of the Catholic faith, including priests, religious, and lay faithful, emphasising the importance of collective supplication during this holy season of Lent and the Paschal Triduum.
This day is especially important given the current socio-political situation in India, where the impending general elections are a major cause for prayer intentions. Catholics are called to offer prayers for the India, requesting divine intervention in the democratic process and imparting divine wisdom to all those involved.
The programme should be a unifying factor, bringing together believers from various backgrounds.
