PANJIM: People in large numbers took part in the “Prayer for Ukranians Candle Vigil” organised by the parishioners of St Sebastian Chapel, Fontainhas, one on Friday.
“Recent events in Ukraine have generated great concern around the world and within human beings, what with the print and electronic media’s painful images of war and suffering,” said Fr Roque Da Costa, Chaplain, adding that in such a situation one could pray for Ukranians and others.
The programme consisted of Word of God by Fr Roque, Fr Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of Council for Social Justice and Peace, Larissa D’Silva Jorge, Bianca Rebello, hymns by young Gospel Singers Samaria Furtado, Janice Lucia Parras, Khiara Godinho, Joshua Vaz, Sheryl Vaz, Erine Masssare; musicians Roque Lazarus, Emmanuel Meneses, Nigel Mendonca, Blasco Gomes with Supriya and Neha Antao being the animators. The Brahmakumaris of Panjim also participated in the programme.
There were a couple of Ukranians who are presently in Goa who participated in the vigil and expressed hope that their relatives would continue to be safe in the war-torn country.
“At the moment, we can only pray and renew our deep faith in God that our near and dear ones in the war-torn country would remain safe and protected,” said one of the Ukranians, praising the Goans for organising the programme.
Jovito Lopes, president of the Confraria de Nossa Senhora de Livramento, a former member of the National Managing Commitee of the Red Cross in New Delhi and former secretary of Indian Red Cross in Goa, said that “it was dismaying that after enduring eight years of conflict, people now face more violence, pain, loss and turmoil. Fear, freezing temperatures and an uncertain future is what families in Ukraine are facing.”
Lopes quoted the ICRC President Peter Maurer who said: “I am gravely concerned for the safety of communities in Ukraine. Our message to the parties to the conflict is clear: Uphold International Humanitarian Law (IHL), protect civilians and essential services.”
The humanitarian needs in Ukraine are enormous and as the security situation allows, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is responding to urgent humanitarian needs and is determined to continue their life saving work. The ICRC water engineers and doctors aim to help more than 3 million people access clean water and improve the living conditions of more than 66,000 whose homes have been damaged by heavy fighting, pointed out Lopes adding that “the humanitarian needs are enormous.”
The ICRA, together with its partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, remains active in Ukraine, saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence. The Red Cross’ neutral and impartial humanitarian action supports the most vulnerable people, pointed out Lopes.
The programme was conceptualised by Patrick Lobo and Bianca Rebello. Neha Antao and Supriya compered the programme.
