Delhi Christians pray for India on Gandhi birth anniversary

By Rani Punnasseril

New Delhi, Oct 2, 2025: Around 700 Christians from across the National Capital Region observed the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 praying for India.

The ecumenical event – “Pray for India – Pilgrims of Hope” – at the downtown Convent of Jesus and Mary was part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations of Jesus Christ. The Delhi Commission for Ecumenism organized the event that highlighted the Catholic Church’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and dialogue in a diverse society.

Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi, who inaugurated the event with a prayer, recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of non-violence, social justice, and care for the marginalized.

He encouraged participants to translate prayer into concrete acts of compassion, saying, “We keep alive the Father of the Nation’s dream by coming together to pray for India.” His words set the tone for a day of reflection, unity, and spiritual renewal.

Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Faridabad prayed for unity, harmony, and reconciliation, while Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro of Delhi prayed for Christian institutions schools, colleges, and hospitals invoking God’s blessings so they may continue to serve as centres of learning, healing, and service.

Leaders from Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical Churches reinforced the spirit of Christian fraternity, reflecting the day’s ecumenical essence.

The highlight of the program was the chanting of the Nicene Creed in Syriac by Father Afilash of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, commemorating 1,700 years of the historic symbol of Christian unity.

Prayer dances by students and the BEC Commission, hymns by choirs from Caleb Institute, Salvation Army, Prateeksha Seminary, and the Burmese Christian community, as well as a short dance drama by Chetanalaya, focused on the care for Mother Earth, demonstrating that prayer for peace must include care for creation.

Divine Word Father Norbert Herman, convener and secretary of the Commission for Ecumenism, reminded participants, “Love is stronger than hatred, prayer stronger than fear,” and led the assembly in the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

Bishop Monodeep Daniel of the Church of North India sang the national anthem to conclude the program.