Mumbai, India adhering Pope in Vigil for Nascent Life

(November 26, 2010) The western Indian Archdiocese of Bombay is adhering to Pope Benedict XVI’s call to Catholic communities worldwide to mark a Vigil for Nascent Life on the eve of Advent season on Saturday. Auxiliary Bishop Agnelo Gracias of Bombay said that all churches and convents in the archdiocese will be celebrating the vigil with readings of the Word of God and recitation of the rosary led by pregnant women, families with children, families with members who are ill as well as grandparents and teachers. Similar celebrations will be held in all Indian dioceses, organised by the diocesan human life committees. Pope Benedict announced on Nov. 14 that he would lead a solemn Vigil for Nascent Life in Rome’s Saint Peter’s Basilica during the Advent Vespers on Saturday evening. He recommended that a vigil be held in parishes, religious communities, associations and movements across the globe. In remarks to AsiaNews Bishop Agnelo Gracias noted India’s high regard for life down the ages. Yet, he said, one does notice an erosion of that respect with the growing phenomena of abortion and female infanticide. He particularly recalled a noted gynaecologist of Maharashtra state who performed some 30,000 abortions in 25 years, and who said that some 35,000 abortions are performed in India every 24 hours.