Udupi Christian Community Pays Tribute to Victims of Bomb Explosions in Sri Lanka
Udupi: Responding to massacre in Sri Lanka the diocese of Udupi along with other denominations while expressing deep sorrow for the 359 people dead in eight serial blasts, called a prayer meet at the Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi on Thursday, April 25.
Addressing the gathering with deep sorrow the world has witnessed the massacre of the innocents in Sri Lanka where both the brethren at churches and luxury hotels were attacked in 8 serial blasts. More than 359 of our brethren are reported to have died and many more are in critical condition in the hospitals. It is hurting us deeply that the people at worship on Easter Sunday were killed. In the ghastly incident 10 Indians including 7 from Karnataka were killed. More than 45 innocent children lost their lives.
“Easter Sunday is our most holy day, a joyful day that has turned to tears for the innocents who have been injured and killed. These deliberate assaults were not just against our brothers and sisters but on everyone who values life, love and peace. It is hard to build a life but easy to destroy, he said.
“We have no words to explain such evil acts; it is beyond understanding how people could plan such a ghastly deed without having any qualms of conscience. Only faith would help to tide over the situation. Let us pray that the perpetrators of violence may repent of their misdeeds and change their lives. May God give strength to the families who lost their dear ones”, he said.
A Prayer service was conducted for the departed souls followed by one-minute silence and lighting of candles in their memory.
Msgr Baptist Menezes Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, CSI pastors Fr Steven Sarvothama, Fr Noel Karkada, Udupi Diocese priests Fr William Martis, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Fr Fredrick D’Souza, Fr. Alphonse D’Lima, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Steevan D’Souza, Fr Vincent Coelho, Fr Francis Cornelio, Fr Vijay D‘Souza, Fr Gerald Sandeep D’Mello, Fr Royson Fernandes, Udupi Diocese ICYM President Dion D’Souza, Stree Sanghatan president Janet Barboza, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President Alwyn Quadros, Muslim leaders Mohammed Moula, Yaseen Malpe and others were present.
Dion D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Alphonse D’Costa secretary diocese pastoral council delivered the vote of thanks and compered the prayer service.
A large number of priests, nuns, other clergy and the faithful participated in the prayer meeting.
