Catholic women leaders have drawn inspiration from the faith shown by survivors of the violent anti-Christian Kandhamal attacks when they recently visited the region in the eastern Indian State of Odisha.

On Oct. 5 a group of 20 women visited the remote, impoverished area of Odisha where villagers were attacked by rampaging Hindu nationalists in late August 2008, leaving 100 people dead and thousands homeless. They were the worst attacks on Christians in India’s history.

The women were among 50 leaders from across India who had gathered in Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha, for a conference organized by the Indian bishops’ Commission for Women. The conference, held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, discussed the role of women in the family.

“I am strengthened in faith after visiting the region,” said Rosemary Sahayam from Madhya Pradesh in central India. “How families continue to live in faith and confidence even after their relations were killed for their faith is truly inspiring.”

The anti-Christian violence engulfed more than 600 villages. Those killed included the disabled and elderly people, children and women. Several rapes were reported, including that of a Catholic nun. More that 350 churches and 6,500 houses were looted and burned down during the attacks leaving 56,000 people homeless.

The anti-Christian attacks were fuelled by the gunning down on Aug. 23, 2008 of a Hindu spiritual leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, 85, and four of his associates. Hindu extremists blamed Christians for the murders even though Maoists claimed responsibility for the deaths.