Mumbai: Christians fast, pray for those hit by Covid-19

Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias had called for the prayer service

On the direction of the Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who is also the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Catholics across the country observed a fast on Friday and prayed for the safety of frontline workers.

The community appealed to leaders to be "unselfish" and urged them to "align with the common good". The prayer was also meant for those who are "sick and suffering" in the pandemic.

On Thursday, Pope Francis had written to the Cardinal conveying his "heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness" with the Indians. Pope Francis said that his "thoughts go above all to the sick and their families" and to those who care for them - in particular to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. "I think too, of the many doctors, nurses, hospital workers, ambulance drivers, and those working tirelessly to respond to the immediate needs of their brothers and sisters," Pope Francis had said.

Friday's prayer service in India echoed a similar sentiment as that of Pope Francis' message when it came to frontline workers and praying for their safety - but also urged leaders to "discern and choose wisely, unfailingly aligning themselves with the common good".

Speaking with mid-day, Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Bombay, said: "This is an ecumenical prayer service which means that Christians all around the country have joined in this day to fast and pray for al people who are affected by the pandemic. We all pray in a special way for the frontline workers…that they have the strength and courage to exude their responsibilities." He said that the prayer service held by Cardinal Oswald Gracias at 12 noon, which was
also broadcast live on the Archdiocese's Youtube channel, was joined in by different Bishops from their respective cathedrals.

12
Time in hours when the prayer service was held