Christians in Mangalore, whowitnessed a wave of attacks against them two years ago, have started a 21-dayfast and prayer vigil for safety and peace.
“We offer the 21 days of prayers and fasting for the safety” ofChristians in Karnataka, said Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore whoopened the marathon prayer program March 10.
He said after the pro-Hindu attacks on churches across Karnatakastate in 2008, Christian were “in constant fear” and felt unsafe.
At least 27 Christian sites were damaged across the state in thefirst few days of violence that began three months after the pro-Hindu BhratiyaJanata Party (BJP, Indian people’s party) came to power in 2008.
Father Nelson Pinto, the convener of the prayer program across thediocese, said they have settled on 21 days because of a Biblical reason.
According to Bible, Prophet Daniel had for full “three weeks ofmourning” sacrificed pleasant food, meat and wine,” said the Carmelite priest.
He said with that background, Catholics across the diocese plan toabstain from having meat and their other favorite food items, and lives mainlyon fruits and vegetables.
Catholics from all over the parishes would take turns to join thefast, prayer and adorations conducted in the diocesan headquarters for eighthours every day.
Some 600 people attended the program on the opening day. It will concludeon March 30.
"This is a prayer for the people's cause. We have personally invitedmany to the marathon prayer sessions, "said Melvyn Noronha, an organizer of theprogram.
Source: ucanews.com
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