The President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences expresses closeness to Pakistani faithful killed in a Sufi temple. Natural disasters in Latin America, as well as suffering of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil "encourage us to fervently invoke the mercy of God." Two deacons and five priests ordained; baptism of adult catechumens at the Easter vigil.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Card. Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), expresses deep sorrow for the victims of yesterday’s attack on the St Petersburg subway, in Russia, which has left at least 11 dead and 45 injured .
Speaking to AsiaNews said he had " “I received with great sorrow the news of the blast in St. Petersburg, and the death of 20 people at a Pakistani Sufi shrine. These incidents fill our hearts with lamentations for the senseless loss of lives and the trail of destruction and often acts of reprisals. "
The cardinal question: "When will this end, my heart weeps, as I hear of such tragic news, which in nearly all instances affects vulnerable communities and peoples, greatly to their disadvantage. Besides the natural calamities of the devastating floods wreaking havoc in Peru and our kidnapped Salesians Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil “ all make us fervernly cry out for God’s Mercy.”
According to Card. Gracias, "We are greatly encouraged, by our Pope Francis' theme for World Day of Peace message for 2017: “Non-Violence: a Style of Politics for Peace”. However, while saddened by the situations of death and destruction, Cardinal Oswald said, “The Church is also witness to Hope and the Merciful Love of The Father.” In this regard, on March 25, the day of the Solemnity of the Lord, he ordained two married permanent deacons. On April he ordained five new priests for the Archdiocese of Mumbai. On Easter Sunday, on April 16th, through baptism the Christian family welcomes adults who are making the path of initiation into the faith.
Photo of Catholic Communication Center of the Archdiocese of Mumbai