By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, July 26, 2022: The Cathedral of Holy Rosary in Kolkata has held a special Mass on the 2nd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli presided at a Mass and was joined by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, Auxiliary Bishop John Saw of Yangon and Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta.
They were assisted by nine priests, including cathedral vicar Father Franklin Menezes.
Besides special prayers for grandparents and elderly during the July 24 Mass, the elderly present were felicitated with the offering of rose stems.
The occasion also witnessed the administration of the Sacrament of confirmation for eight young people.
The Mass was followed by an inter-faith goodwill gathering to spread the message of humanity, peace and environmental awareness. It was represented by eminent citizens professing Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism.
The United Interfaith Forum-India organized the gathering.Started in 2018, the forum members participate in mutual religious and cultural events as well as stand up for each other and respond to emergencies.
The forum president is Archbishop D’Souza and Secretary, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia.
Speaking at the function, Cardinal Bo said, “It is a great to see people of different faith come together to share solidarity and support each other. Together we pray for world peace.”
Prabhas Dansana, principal chief operations manager of South Eastern Railway, said he felt “great to be a part of the inter-faith meeting which not only goes a long way to contribute to social harmony and peace but also represents India’s diverse religious heritage and peaceful co-existence.”
Father Menezes, who also heads the Seva Kendra, the social service wing of the Church in West Bengal, thanked people from different faith groups “for being with us here to spread the message of harmony and peace.”
Grandparents and the Elderly are our Wisdom Banks. May each one of them be blessed with good health, strength and stamina.