Bengaluru: As a mark of respect for the 49 Central Reserve Police (CRPF) paramilitary soldiers who died last Thursday in what is considered as the worst attack ever on security personnel at Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, all Christian denominations are coming together for a candle-lit procession and prayer service in memory of braveheart soldiers on Thursday.
The procession, organised by the Archdiocese of Bangalore, will begin from United Theological College (next to Archbishop’s House) on Miller’s road at 7.30 p.m. and proceed towards St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and culminate with condolence messages and final prayers.
Last Thursday, the world stood still in a great shock as the horrific attack that killed 49 Central Reserve Police (CRPF) personnel and many others injured when terrorists targeted a convoy with a car bomb at Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Feb 14, 2019, in what is considered as the worst attack ever on security personnel in the state.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bengaluru, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, expressed his profound sadness and said, “Needless to say, the attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. We strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel should not go in vain. The need of the hour is to remain in unity, and exercise resilience against all provocations of the enemy.”
“Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the brave soldiers. Saddened and shocked of the cowardly attack on our CRPF jawans, the community of Karnataka join the nation and the families of the brave martyrs in this hour of pain and sorrow,” the archbishop said.
“We also wish and pray that the injured soldiers may quickly recover, gain good health and join their dear families at the earliest. May the souls of the departed bravehearts rest in peace,” the archbishop added.
The Archbishop mentioned that more than 10 Bishops from all over Karnataka region along with religious, students and Christians belonging to different denominations will participate in large numbers. The Archbishop has requested all Christian brethren to come in large numbers and express solidarity with the soldiers and pray for their families.
Cover picture courtesy: CRPF