Churches to Observe Indian Christian Martyrs’ Day on August 29

(August 14, 2010) The Churches in India will observe “Indian Christian Martyrs’ Day,” August 29, the last Sunday of the month, to remember all the members of the community who died for Jesus Christ and for the cause of the Gospel in the country. The decision was taken following a suggestion at a meeting of the regional secretaries of the Commission for Ecumenism held at Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh, November last year. The Ecumenical Churches have also welcomed the move, according to national secretary of Ecumenism, Divine Word Father Pushpa Anbu, who is based in this capital city. Citing Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, “Ut Unum Sint”, Father Anbu highlighted the importance of persons who have sacrificed their lives for the faith in all Christian denominations. Bishop Anil Couto of Jalandhar, chairman, CCBI Commission for Ecumenism, in his message said, “We are making an effort to remember those who died for Lord Jesus Christ; martyrdom is the highest form of love expressed. Setting aside a day as “Indian Christian Martyrs’ Day” is not making somebody a canonised saint but remembering their sacrifice to witness Christ. Their brave life is a heritage of the Church and we want to save it for the coming generation. It is not just meant for the Catholic Church alone but also for all the Churches and ecclesial communities.” For the last two years, an ecumenical body, “Isai Mahasangh” in Madhya Pradesh, has been celebrating “Indian Christian Martyrs’ Day”.