Circular - Prayer for Healing, Justice, and Educational Reform in India

To All Parish Priests, Priests-in-charge and teams, Religious Men and Women of the Archdiocese of Bombay

Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters,

In the light of the recent violence at Jantar Mantar and the concerns arising from it, I am enclosing herewith a "Prayer for Peace, Healing, Justice, and Educational Reform in India", which is to be prayed at all Masses on Sunday as well as in Religious Communities. This prayer will also be made available on the Archdiocesan website.

The prayer seeks God's healing for those who have been injured and comfort for those who are suffering, while also praying for peace, justice, dialogue, and respect for the dignity of every person. It also places before the Lord the children and young people of our country and prays for the renewal of our education system so that it may become more just, inclusive, humane, accessible, and rooted in values that uphold truth, compassion, critical thinking, and respect for every human person.

We believe that, especially in times of tension and uncertainty, the Church is called to be a voice of prayer, hope, reconciliation, and peace. We therefore request your kind cooperation in having this prayer prayed at all Masses in your parish and also in the religious communities.

May our prayer bring healing to those who suffer, peace to our nation, wisdom to our leaders, and hope to our children and young people.

Thank you and with prayerful wishes,

✠ Savio Fernandes Bishop in-charge Archdiocese of Bombay

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Prayer for National Peace, Healing, Justice, and Educational Reform

Almighty and Merciful God, we place before you all those who have been injured in the recent violence at Jantar Mantar. Bring them speedy healing and recovery, comfort those who are suffering, and strengthen their families and loved ones. Grant wisdom, compassion, and restraint to all those entrusted with maintaining peace and public order.

Lord of Peace, we pray for an end to violence, oppression, and injustice in our society. May every peaceful voice be heard with dignity and respect, and may differences be resolved through dialogue, truth, and mutual understanding rather than through force.

We pray also for the children and young people of our country - grant them hope. Bless our teachers, educators, parents, and all who shape the future of our nation. Give our leaders the courage and wisdom to revamp and overhaul our education system, so that it may become more just, inclusive, humane, accessible, and rooted in the values of truth, compassion, critical thinking, and respect for every human person.

May our nation grow in peace, freedom, justice, and wisdom, and may we all become instruments of healing and hope.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.