Nagpur: More than 100 young people came together in the central Indian city of Nagpur to pray for their motherland.
The youth, who represented various Catholic parishes in Nagpur, noted that various types of atrocities now threaten the integrity of India that is known for keeping unity despite its diversities. Politicization of religious has deprived the country of its uniqueness.
They met at the chapel of Saint Francis de Sales School on Sunday where Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara of Nagpur exposed the Blessed Sacrament for them.
Eric Malankar, a youth leader, while explaining the purpose of the gathering, regretted that innocent people, especially from religious minorities, are martyred daily for their faith.
“Day after day we hear a lot of news on violence against Christians. Freedom of religion in India is a fundamental right guaranteed by the article 15 and article 21 of the constitution of India. But this freedom is neglected and fear is injected among the people who follow their religion,” he added.
He also said that young people in the parish are the future pillars of the Church and the nation. “Every youth must be aware of their responsibility toward the Church and society,” he added.
Savio John, a member of Shalom Prayer Group who was present, said, “Praying for each region and state brought youth in large number to gather in front of the Eucharistic Lord who is ‘the Way, the truth and the Life.”
Archbishop Abraham commended the Jesus Youth for coming together in prayer. “Many innocent people are suffering for their faith. Our gesture of solidarity should be shown through our prayers,” said India’s longest serving prelate.