Indian Bishops Pray for the Victims of Maha Kumbh Mela Tragedy
Bhubaneswar: The Catholic Bishops of India, gathered for the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), offered prayers and Holy Mass for the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Special prayers were also said for the grieving families of the victims, expressing solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, witnessed a devastating stampede that claimed the lives of more than 30 pilgrims. The CCBI conveyed its profound sorrow over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
His Eminence Filipe Cardinal Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, expressed deep distress over the tragedy. “It is heartbreaking to witness such a calamity during a sacred event that draws millions in devotion. In this time of mourning, we, the Bishops of India, unite in prayer for the departed souls and their loved ones. May God grant strength to the grieving families, healing to the injured and eternal peace to those who have passed away.”
As India observed Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Bishops gathered around the Gandhi statue on the campus of XIM University. In a solemn tribute, His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão together garlanded the statue, paying homage to the Father of the Nation. The assembly observed a moment of silence, offering prayers for global peace and national unity.
The Holy Eucharist of the day was presided over by Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad. In his homily, he emphasized the need for collective efforts in fulfilling the Church’s mission. He encouraged the faithful to walk together in unity, guided by faith in Christ and the light of the Holy Spirit. He underscored that the theme of the Plenary Assembly “Discerning Synodal Pathways for Mission’ calls for humility, attentive listening, and collaborative action within the Church.
On the third day of the Plenary Assembly, the Bishops dedicated time to spiritual discernment, reflecting on the ten pastoral priorities proposed by the laity, priests and religious communities across India. Seeking divine guidance, they invoked the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to steer the Church in India towards a path of renewal and mission.
