CBCI APPEAL ON MANIPUR
CBCI APPEAL ON MANIPUR
To
All Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, Catechists and Lay Faithful of the Catholic Church in India
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
We are extremely saddened by the current situation in the State of Manipur. Unprecedented violence and instability have held sway over the region since May 3, 2023. According to the information received from the Archbishop of Imphal, violence and arson have continued unabated since the conflict began, notably in the outlying areas of the region\’s valley; houses and villages have been torched or completely destroyed, valuables have been stolen and plundered, places of worship have been desecrated and set on fire. More than 50,000 people have been displaced, rendered homeless and are suffering in various relief camps and private residences. Many people have left the city. Lots of people have fled Imphal and the State for safer localities, including the adjacent State of Mizoram, other north-eastern States and major cities. The violence claimed the lives of almost 100 people.
With this in mind, the CBCI Office Bearers decided to inform all on Sunday, June 25, 2023, that the following Sunday, July 2nd 2023 will be observed as a Sunday for Peace and Prayer for the suffering people in Manipur. This initiative could perhaps be followed all over the country, with our parishes, institutions and religious communities observing this Day meaningfully. A few suggestions follow on how to make this Day more significant:
(1) Add special intentions for peace and harmony to the Prayers of the Faithful of the Sunday Liturgy and, if possible, arrange in each parish an Hour of Adoration before the Eucharistic Lord, to intercede for the suffering people of Manipur.
(2) Promote a gesture of solidarity, like a candlelight procession or a peace rally, which would bring our people to commune in spirit with our suffering brethren of Manipur and to deepen their awareness about the serious situation in that State.
(3) Join hands with like-minded individuals and organizations that share our vision of peace so that our common efforts for building an environment of harmony and understanding can have a greater impact.
(4) Encourage associations, movements and NGOs to convey their serious concern to the officials of the Central Government, particularly about the alarming disregard in that region for the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
(5) Organize a recitation of a Pledge for Peace in all our educational institutions, recommitting ourselves to promote peace in our country and in our states.
(6) Express our heartfelt concern and good will towards the migrant people coming especially from Manipur and, if possible, generously accommodate the students and the people in our hostels and educational institutions.
Immediately after the conflict began in Manipur, Caritas India – The Humanitarian Response and Social Development wing of the Catholic Church in India have been proactively responding to Manipur humanitarian crises. As on 20th June 2023, Caritas India has been able to reach out and support over 14,000 displaced people now living in various relief camps in Manipur and the adjoining States of Mizoram and Assam. Caritas India has come up with long-term plans for Manipur such as rehabilitation of the victims of violence and promotion of inter-community peace, harmony, and confidence building.
The Chairman and the Executive Director of Caritas India visited Manipur and expressed the solidarity with the people. It will be an expression of our solidarity, if the Dioceses, Religious Institutions and our Church Communities could come forward to support the initiatives of Caritas India. In this regard, please find the bank details of Caritas India for remitting your generous donations.
Account name: Caritas India; Account Number: 0153053000007238; Name and address of the Bank: The South Indian Bank, 22, Regal Building Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001; Bank’s IFSC Code: SIBL0000153
Brothers and Sisters, let us come together with one heart and mind and offer prayers and sacrifices for the restoration of peace and reconciliation among the communities in conflict. Let us pray that God may give us the necessary courage and strength.
Invoking the blessings of Our Lord Jesus Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace and harmony in India, especially in the troubled State of Manipur,
Yours sincerely,
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath,
President, Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI)