The Archdiocese of Delhi will launch a prayer and fast campaign for India and its leaders as the country gets closer to general elections.
“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,” says a letter from Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi addressed to all parish priests and religious institutions in the archdiocese.
The letter dated May 8 is to be read during Masses throughout the archdiocese on Sunday, May 13.
Archbishop Couto says praying for the country and it political leaders all the time has been a “hallowed pra-ctice” of the archdiocese. It is all the more necessary “when we approach the General Elections,” the prelate adds.
The current coalition government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party will complete its five-year term in May 2019. “As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have a new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, the anniversary of the Apparition of the Blessed Mother,” the archbishop appeals to his people. He wants them to consecrate themselves and the country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The campaign comprises observing a day fast and conducting an hour of adoration on every Friday for a year. The letter urges the faithful to forgo one meal on Fridays and offer penance and sacrifices for “our spiritual renewal and that of our nation.” The archbishop has also prepared a prayer for the nation to be recited during the adoration.
