Country’s secular fabric is under threat: Archbishop of Delhi

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NEW DELHI: The Delhi Archbishop, Anil Couto, had released a circular to churches and other Christian institutions across the city, asking the Christian community to hold prayers and observe a fast on Fridays for the nation’s sake.

In a letter written to all parish priests in the capital, The Delhi Archbishop, said:

“We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation… As we look forward towards 2019, when we will have new government, let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate Heart,” the circular read.

“I request that we observe a day of fast every Friday of the week by forgoing at least one meal and offering our penance and all our sacrifices for our spiritual renewal and that of our nation. Moreover, I earnestly request that we organize an hour of Eucharistic adoration every Friday at a convenient time in all our parishes, religious houses and institution specifically praying for our nation. During this Adoration the enclosed Prayer may be recited,” added the circular.

Father Robinson, Secretary to Archbishop of Delhi said that the Archbishop’s letter is not political, neither it is against the Govt or against the honourable PM. The prayer campaigns are conducted before also. But only this it is being politicised.

Bombay Archdiocese supported the letter  saying. “When a government has finished its term, and in elections a government is elected, it is a new government. Letter doesn’t say a different government, it says new government. So, I don’t see anything controversial with the term of the new government,” spokesperson of Bombay Archdiocese, Father Nigel Barret said.