CBCI’s condolences to train derailment victims

(May 29, 2010) The Catholic Bishops of India have expressed their deep condolences to the victims of the train tragedy that took place in West Bengal state early Friday morning. Suspected Maoist rebels are said to have derailed the overnight Mumbai-bound Gyaneshwari Express near Sardiha, West Bengal, triggering a crash with an oncoming goods train, killing 98 people and injuring at least 200. The death toll is expected to rise. The Catholic Bishops` Conference of India (CBCI), apex body of the Catholic Church in India, “joins in the pain and suffering of those who have been affected; they pray for the repose of souls of those killed and speedy recovery of those injured,” said CBCI spokesperson Fr. Babu Joseph in a brief statement. He said, “The Bishops firmly believe that violence cannot be an acceptable means of resolving social issues, however genuine they might be. It only breeds more violence and suffering for people.” “Therefore, they appeal to those resorting to violence to take new path that leads to peace and harmony in society,” Fr. Babu added.