Sr Nirmala Joshi launches appeal for peace in India for the occasion of the feast of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Sept. 5

(September 3, 2008):- An appeal to all India, that it break the chain of violence and "the abuse of religion" has been launched by Sr Nirmala Joshi, Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity. In the appeal sent to AsiaNews, the nun, who succeeded Mother Teresa, says "let us put down the weapon of hatred and violence and reach out in love to each other following the example of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, in order to build the civilization of love in India and in the world.”
Sr Nirmala's words come after the cycle of violence that broke out against Christians in Orissa, following the assassination of the Hindu religious leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati carried out by a group of Maoists. So far, at least 20 people have been killed and hundreds are wounded. 45 churches and hundreds of homes have been burned and social centers, hostels, orphanages, and hospitals have been destroyed.Tens of thousands of people, who fled from the violence are still living in the forests, or in shelters set up by the local government. Sr. Nirmala prayed for the eternal rest of Swami Saraswati and for the massacred Christians, calling upon the brothers and sisters of India not to use religion to divide us, or as an instrument of violence.
Sr. Nirmala’s appeal comes just a few days before the liturgical feast of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta September 5. For the occasion, the Italian Bishops's Conference has also decided to call for a day of prayer and fasting "as a sign of spiritual closeness and solidarity with our Indian brothers and sisters so harshly tested in their faith".