World Day of Prayer for Asia Bibi and victims of the blasphemy law
(April, 12, 2011) Around the world people will be in prayer for Asia Bibi, the woman
unjustly condemned to death for blasphemy in Pakistan. On 20 April, Wednesday of Holy
Week, a “Special Day of Prayer for Asia Bibi and for the victims of the blasphemy
law” will be celebrated in Pakistan and in many countries around the world. News of
the initiative by her lawyers, the Masihi Foundation, was given exclusively to Fides
Catholic news agency on Tuesday and will be launched officially on Wednesday.The
initiative intends to bring into communion all believers and people of goodwill in
prayer. Haroon Masih, Director of the Masihi Foundation told Fides they will
all light a candle, imploring God's salvation and freedom for this woman, and all
who suffer the consequences of being falsely accused of blasphemy,” Bishop Andrew
Francis of Multan and President of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the
Catholic Bishops Conference of Pakistan, has already adhered to the initiative, telling
Fides that “prayer is an important tool for the faithful of Pakistan, who trust in
God's work.” The Pontifical Mission Societies in Pakistan have also pledged their
support and indicated that they will help raise awareness among local communities.
Several Orders of cloistered nuns in Italy and Spain have also pledged their prayers.
“In Italy, prayers will be said for Asia Bibi and for the victims of the blasphemy
law even in Parliament during Holy Mass to be celebrated on 20 April in the Parliament
Chapel by Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, President of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue. The Mass has been organised by the Association of Parliamentary
Friends of Pakistan and the Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy.