Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s lone archdiocese on November 2 prayed for two archbishops who died this year after the eastern Indian state for decades.
Divine Word Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar led the Mass when the Universal Church prays for all departed souls. Ten priests assisted the prelate at the Mass at St Vincent’s Pro-Cathedral Parish in Bhubaneswar, the state capital. About 40 nuns and more than 300 Catholics also attended.
The prelate prayed for the souls of Henry Sebastian D’Souza, the first Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, who died on June 27, and his successor Raphael Cheenath, who passed away on August 14.
“Many famous personalities of the world, and in the Universal Church who were inspiration and motivation to many of us died in their old age, some by natural calamity, some by accident, some were the victims of ISIS, those who have worked in the society with great zeal and commitment and have made huge contributions for the wellbeing of the human kind and left indelible mark. May Almighty God grant them heavenly peace and bliss,” the prelate prayed.
Pope Benedict XV on August 10, 1915; permitted all priests to celebrate three Masses on All Souls Day: one for the faithful departed; one for the priest’s intentions; and another for the Pope’s intentions.