Catholics in India observe day of prayer ahead of general elections

By Vatican News

As India gears up for its 2024 General Elections scheduled on 19 April Catholics across the country have been invited to join  in a “National Day of Fasting and Prayer”  on Friday, to intercede for the Church and nation, imploring in particular the divine intervention in the democratic process and invoking  God’s wisdom upon all those involved.

The Day was decided by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) during its plenary assembly held in Bengaluru (Bangalore) in February, which focused on the current situation in the country.  

12 hours of prayer for the Church and nation

A letter signed by Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi and general secretary of the CBCI, has called on the faithful "to unite in prayer for a continuous period of 12 hours to intercede for our nation, particularly for the upcoming general elections this year." This extended time of devotion may include traditional practices such as Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the Rosary and the Way of the Cross. With these prayers – Archbishop Couto wrote - "we align our hearts with the will of God and offer our supplications for the purification of the Church and the good of our nation".

The call to prayer extends to all members of the Catholic faith, including priests, religious, and lay faithful, emphasizing the importance of collective supplication during this holy season of Lent and the Paschal Triduum.

“May this day represent a moment of profound spiritual reflection, penance and renewal for the entire Indian Church. We offer our sacrifices and our invocations with a heart open to the will of God, trusting in his mercy and providence," Archbishop Couto wrote.

Growing political and religious polarization in India

The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing political and religious polarization in India “that is damaging the cherished social harmony in our country and endangering democracy itself”, the Indian bishops remarked in the final statement of thhir meeting. 

“There are fears that divisive attitudes, hate speech and fundamentalist movements are eroding the pluralist ethos that has always characterized our country and its Constitution”, the statement said, emphasizing that  the “fundamental rights and minority rights guaranteed by the Constitution should never be endangered,"

PM Narendra Modi running for a third term

The Indian general elections are set to take place in seven different rounds from 19 April to 1 June, with almost 1 billion voters called to vote. The results are expected  4 June. The incumbent Prime Minister, Narendra Modi of the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be running for a third consecutive term, competing with the  rival  Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), composed of 27 parties.