Bishop of Poona calls for prayers, fasting to end Israel-Hamas war

“War cancels out the future,” the Pope said, appealing to take just one side in the conflict – that of peace.

In a circular, Bishop of Poona Rt Rev John Rodrigues urged all parishes to devote some time to pray. “The Bishop of Poona has urged Catholics to pray fervently for an end to war and violence, for victims in various parts of the world and for peace,” said Father Malcolm Sequeira, Vicar General, Diocese of Poona.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India has also sent prayers by Pope Francis. People from various Christian denominations, those belonging to other religions and all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world, can join as they see fit, according to the Pope’s appeal.

When contacted, Rev Fr Matthew Coutinho, SDB (Salesians of Don Bosco) and Vicar, in Israel, said he would like to reiterate the call given by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Cardinal Pieerbattista Pizzaballa had asked everyone to pray for peace.

“Stop war”

Several Pune organisations have sent out an appeal to stop the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Suniti S R, national convenor of the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM), said. “We condemn the continuous war mongering attitude of both sides in the ongoing war. We need to understand the situation objectively and how citizens in Palestine are victimised,” Suniti said. On Friday, representatives of Pune Collective, Pune Union for Civil Liberties, Centre of Indian Trade Unions and several others will come together to stage demonstrations at Goodluck chowk.