India: Holy mass offered for the victims of Petlawad

A memorial prayer service and holy mass was offered for the victims of Petlawad (Jhabua) blast here Friday at  Seva Sadan, Bhopal, Central India.

More than 100 people were killed including three children, and another 150 injured when mining gelatin stored in a house near a busy bus-stand in Petlawad - Thandla highway in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, exploded in the morning, Saturday 12 September.

Police initially thought that a cooking gas cylinder in a restaurant exploded and set off a second blast in an adjoining house where gelatin had been stored. Police later said gelatin sticks kept in the house of one Rajendra Kumar Kaswa exploded, killing most of its occupants and those in the vicinity.

Archbishop of Bhopal, Dr. Leo Cornelio condoled the deaths, and and expressed solidarity with the injured in the a massive explosion and said that human ignorance leading to destruction to the lives of people cannot be compromised at any cost. He asked the people to be vigilant against any violence leading to destruction of the humanity.

He prayed for the departed souls and wished speedy recovery of the injured people. He asked the government to take actions against the culprits who are responsible for the tragedy. There was a prayer service for the people who have died and injured in the blast that took place, followed by holy Mass.

The chief celebrant of the holy Mass Fr. Maria Stephen the PRO asked the people to be alert in the society and take the responsibility of protecting the lives and the property of the people which is the sign of love towards God and neighbour. Not praying alone will fulfil Christian’s obligation but taking active part in building the society will make exemplary Christians. There were large number of priests, religious, and laity took part in this special prayer service.  

(Report from Rinky Thomas)