Verghese V Joseph –
In a move reflecting both spiritual fervour and civic duty, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has designated Friday, March 22, 2024, as a “National Day of Fasting and Prayer” to be observed across all dioceses in India. This decision, steered by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI, underscores the pivotal role of faith in shaping the nation’s democratic ethos as it braces for the forthcoming 2024 elections.
Archbishop Thazhath has urged the Church across India to dedicate this day to fervent prayer and solemn fasting. “I exhort all of you to ensure that the National Day of Fasting and Prayer is observed most fruitfully in your respective dioceses, regions, and parishes so that the power of prayer is harnessed to its fullest for the good of our nation,” expressed the CBCI president in a communiqué released from the conference headquarters in New Delhi.
Aligned with Archbishop Thazhath’s directive, each diocese is meticulously planning a series of spiritual activities to mark this significant day. The call for collective prayer and fasting finds resonance in a pastoral letter penned by Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi, who has dedicated March 22, 2024, as a solemn occasion for the Catholic faithful residing in Delhi and certain districts of Haryana.
Archbishop Couto’s pastoral letter, dated March 13, 2024, exhorts believers to unite in prayer for the well-being of the Church and the nation at large. This initiative, in accordance with the resolutions adopted during the CBCI’s 36th Biennial General Body Meeting held from January 31 to February 7, 2024, underscores the conference’s unwavering commitment to spiritual engagement in the face of prevailing socio-political challenges.
In a bid to guide the faithful in observance, the Archdiocese of Calcutta in eastern India has outlined a range of spiritual exercises, including Holy Mass, Chain Rosary, Jericho Prayer, Holy Hour in every parish, 40 hours of adoration and fasting, night vigil, Way of the Cross, Divine Mercy recitation, and reflective Bible readings.
Archbishop Thazhath’s sentiments found resonance in Bangalore Archbishop Peter Machado’s impassioned appeal for spiritual introspection amidst the cacophony of political rhetoric. “As citizens, we are called not only to exercise our franchise but to imbue our electoral choices with the values of righteousness and compassion,” stated Machado. “This National Day of Fast and Prayer serves as a sacred reminder of our duty to uphold the dignity of the electoral process and to seek divine intervention in the pursuit of a just and equitable society.” The archbishop is also the chairman of the Karnataka Regional Bishops Conference.
The National Day of Fast and Prayer, slated to be observed on the eve of the election season, represents a symbolic gesture of solidarity and transcendence. It hopes to transcend partisan divides, inviting individuals from all walks of life to participate in a collective act of spiritual communion.
Echoing Archbishop Thazhath’s call, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong too has urged adherents to solemnly observe March 22 as the ‘National Day of Fasting and Prayer.’ This unified stance emanates from the final resolutions issued by the CBCI following the conclusion of its 36th General Body Meeting earlier this year, underscoring the conference’s steadfast commitment to fostering spiritual resilience amidst the flux of contemporary times.
The declaration of a ‘National Day of Fasting and Prayer’ has received widespread support from diverse quarters of society. Political leaders, civil society organisations, and religious luminaries have lauded the initiative for its potential to instill a sense of moral responsibility and communal solidarity ahead of the forthcoming elections.
People from across all walks of life have hailed the initiative as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between faith and democracy, emphasising the need for spiritual grounding in the electoral process. Singh remarked, “The call for a National Day of Fast and Prayer underscores the profound symbiosis between faith and democracy, reminding us of the sacred trust we hold as custodians of the nation’s future.”
As India braces itself for the electoral whirlwind, the National Day of Fasting and Prayer beckons citizens to introspect, to unite in prayerful solidarity, and to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and fraternity.
In observing this solemn occasion with reverence and introspection, the people of India lay the groundwork for a future steeped in righteousness and harmony, transcending the transient tumult of politics to embrace a collective destiny guided by the spirit of unity and compassion.
The bishops should first distance themselves from the BJP. The Christmas lunch with the PM sent all the wrong signals to the gullible “faithful “. They should lead by example especially in Kerala, Goa and the North East.
The same bishops NEVER had the slightest courage to raise their concerns when PM Modi visited the Catholic Cathedral in Delhi and during the Christmas party. They need to exercise their prophetic ministry seriously.