Cardinal Gracias calls on Indians to fast and pray before election to save democracy
April 02,2014: As India’s general elections draw near, the Archdiocese of Bombay
will be holding a day of fasting and prayer this week ,urging the faithful to pray
for good leaders and a good government, which can help the Church in its mission
to serve the people and the whole country. The day of fasting and prayer will be
held on Friday, 4th April. Cardinal Oswald Gracias , Archbiashop of Bombay
launched the initiative in a pastoral letter on Monday saying “General elections is
an important moment for us, since the direction that our country takes depends largely
on the leaders we elect to our parliament.” The prelate made it clear that the Catholic
Church does not identify itself with any political party. But we have the responsibility
as bishops, he said, to urge every eligible citizen to exercise his/her right and
duty to vote, and do so prudently, carefully and judiciously.” The first phase
of the vote begins on April 7. India has more than 814 million registered voters.
Noting that the gap between the rich and the poor is ever widening as society
undergoes a profound transformation due to radical changes brought about by science
and technology, and ethics losing primacy as the guiding principle for society,
Cardinal Gracias said the Catholic Church earnestly hopes that the General Elections
will give us leaders who understand the anxieties of the people and respond to their
needs. Source: AsiaNews