New Delhi: Way of the Cross for Msgr. Romero, against Indian corruption
by Nirmala Carvalho
Tomorrow, March 24 marks the 32nd anniversary of the death of the "martyr of El Salvador" and the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs. Archbishop of New Delhi: "The ministry of truth and justice of Archbishop Romero is crucial for the Indian Church."

New Delhi (AsiaNews) - A special liturgy and a Way of the Cross in New Delhi to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Mgr. Oscar Romero, archbishop of San Salvador. Thus the Commission Justice, Peace and Development Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Consulate of El Salvador will remember the death of the prelate, who was killed by a sniper March 24, 1980 while celebrating mass. Msgr. Vincent Concessao, Archbishop of New Delhi will celebrate the liturgy.  He points out that: "The prophetic ministry of truth and justice of Archbishop Romero is crucial for the Indian Church." Tomorrow March 24th will be the 19th World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs.

"Corruption - said the prelate - is a national evil that is destroying the country, producing injustice, exploitation and violations of human rights. For this, the Church is committed to bringing ethics and morality to public life. Archbishop Romero has always opposed injustices, the point of giving his life for the cause. He is a great example for all of us. "

Recently, a case of injustice has directly involved the Catholic Church. The Government of Tamil Nadu has frozen the bank accounts of four NGOs, accusing them of illegally using foreign funding to support the protests against the construction of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. Among these, there are also two diocesan NGOs, directed by Archbishop Yvon Ambroise of Tuticorin (see 01/03/2012, Tamil Nadu: two Catholic NGOs blamed in anti-nuclear protest).

According to Msgr. Concessao, it is an act unthinkable: "The Church has always carefully and precisely followed the laws put in place by the government. The foreign funds are directed exclusively to programs for the poor, sick, orphans. Blocking those accounts means depriving these people of an important support. Across the country religious organizations working to alleviate the sufferings of the needy, help the government in what it actually should do. "

Established in 1993 by the youth movement of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs recalls the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero, of San Salvador, murdered because of his Christian witness and his commitment to justice and the poor.