Catholic Bishops of India condemn Mumbai attacks

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (C.B.C.I.) has condemned the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai on July 13 in which as per reports, 21 people were killed and over 130 injured.


The C.B.C.I. issued a statement saying: “We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families that have lost their near and dear ones. And we remember those who have been injured in these blasts and are being treated at various hospitals of Mumbai. May God grant them courage to face the pain and suffering and bless them with speedy recovery.”

The President of the Bishops’ Conference, the Archbishop of Bombay (Mumbai), Cardinal Oswald Gracias told Vatican Radio the people of the city have quickly rebounded from the attack.

“Mumbai is very amazing. It is a very resilient city. We have had these attacks over and over again – really big attacks, serial bombs – but within a day, everything is back to normal, people have been going to work. I have come to the seminary and traffic is normal,” he said.

Cardinal Gracias also said the attacks have brought out the best in the citizens.

“The other very noticeable thing in Mumbai is that people come out to help regardless of religion, caste, community, race. Everybody comes together to help those in difficulty,” he said, noting a number of e-mails from medical personnel and others offering their help.

“You can see a spirit of solidarity, helpfulness, and resilience certainly,” he told Vatican Radio. “On the other hand there is a little anger that this has been happening over and over again. Mumbai has been on the receiving end for a long time.”

Listen to interview by Charles Collins with Cardinal Oswald Gracias: