MARGAO: In a circular addressed to the clergy, religious and lay faithful, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has urging their participation in a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Church and the Nation scheduled on Friday, March 22.
As faithful continue their Lenten journey, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão underscored the significance of prayer, penance, and spiritual renewal in aligning with God’s will and seeking His intervention in societal challenges. During this period, the faithful have been urged by the Church to prioritise prayer and penance, mirroring Jesus’ example of seeking solitude for prayer. Fasting is emphasised as a crucial component of penance, extending beyond abstaining from food and drink to include self-discipline over attitudes and behaviours hindering spiritual growth and harming others.
“Prayer and fasting for the Church and for the Nation during Lent are most desirable Lenten practices, bringing a lot of spiritual benefit for individuals, communities and the society as a whole. By engaging in prayer and fasting, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, seeking His intervention in the spiritual battles that affect both the Church and the Nation. Through these practices, we wage war against sin, injustice and spiritual oppression, inviting God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done in the Church and in the Nation,” said the Archbishop.
The Archbishop mentioned the recent circular has been issued by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The circular informed that during their last Plenary Assembly in January 2024, the members of the Episcopal Body resolved to observe a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Church and the Nation throughout the country on Friday.
In line with the appeal from the President of the CBCI, the Archbishop also provided suggestions for the Day’s celebration to be implemented by Pastors and Religious Superiors. These include conducting a Chain Rosary, the Jericho Prayer, a Holy Hour in parish Churches, a Night Vigil, the Way of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and communal Bible reading with shared reflections in Churches, Chapels, or Small Christian Communities, all while observing the penance of fasting.
The Archbishop urged the Pastoral Clergy to inform their respective parishioners about the special Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Church and the Nation. He encouraged them to organise several of the suggested spiritual exercises on Friday. The Archbishop said that the Lord may heed the united prayer of His children and grant them His assistance and protection.
The Archbishop extended his wishes to all the faithful, religious, and clergy of the Archdiocese, hoping for a prayerful and grace-filled Lenten season, and a truly joyful and blessed Easter.
