Bishop asks clergy, laity to pray for victims of Sri Lankan massacre

MANGALURU: Responding to massacre in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese while expressing deep sorrow at eight serial blasts that left more than 290 people dead, called on clergy and laity of the diocese to pray for the dead and those in critical condition undergoing treatment in hospitals. First such service was held at Milagres Ground on Tuesday after the mass and Novena of St Antony.
A similar candle light prayer service was held at Moodbidri town church hall after the krishi sanghatan programme on Tuesday. The parish priests in the diocese may choose any day in the week or even coming Sunday to pray for the victims of Sri Lanka. “May Jesus, who was himself victim of violence, reward the victims of this tragedy and share with them his victory over darkness and death in his resurrection,” the Bishop said in his message.

“With deep sorrow the world has witnessed the massacre of the innocents in Sri Lanka where both the brethren at churches and luxury hotels are attacked in 8 serial blasts. More than 290 of our brethren are reported to have died and many more are in critical condition in the hospitals. It is really hurting us deeply that the people at worship on the Easter Sunday are killed and maimed,” the Bishop said in an official communique on Tuesday.

“We have no words to explain such evil acts; it is beyond understanding how people could plan such a ghastly deed without having any qualms of conscience. Only faith would help to tide over the situation and see through the eyes of God, and believe that God alone can bring good even out of human wickedness. Let us pray that the perpetrators of violence may repent of their misdeeds and change their lives.” Most Rev Peter Saldanha observed.

Praying that may the Lord who forgave those who crucified him be our model to take up the path of forgiveness and peace, the Bishop said, “Let us rise up to the occasion to fill in new zeal for life and fight against the forces of evil and death through prayerful solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka by organizing candle light processions and prayer services. Let us invite people of good will to join us in prayer and support our brethren in grief.”