Candlelight Prayer Service held in New Delhi for Victims of Air India Flight 171 Crash

New Delhi, June 18, 2025: A candlelight prayer service was held on the evening of Saturday, June 14, in front of the Marian Grotto at Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi, to pray for the victims of the Air India Flight 171 plane crash tragedy. The hour-long service was organised by various commissions of the Cathedral Parish in collaboration with the Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD). It was led by Most Rev. Anil J. T. Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, and attended by approximately 200 people.

The service commenced with the singing of the hymn “The Lord Is My Shepherd”, setting a reverent tone for the gathering. This was followed by an introductory address delivered by Ms. Leelamma John of the Women’s Commission of the cathedral parish. Archbishop Couto then offered the opening prayer.

A Scripture reading in Hindi was presented by Dr. Daisy Panna, followed by the Prayers of the Faithful, led by Dr. Julie Rose. The hymn “Nammo Meri Maa” was sung to prepare the hearts of the faithful for the recitation of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The gathering then recited the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary at the Grotto, in front of the statue of Mother Mary. Each decade was led by a different commission from the cathedral parish. Some mysteries were prayed in English, while others were recited in Hindi. The Litany was prayed in English, and the final prayer of the Rosary was led by the Laity Commission.

The service concluded with the hymn “No Man Can Live as an Island”, a final prayer by Fr. Norbert, and a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. A.C. Michael, President of CAAD. 

Among those who participated in the prayer service was Glady Vaiphei Hunjan, a refugee from Manipur. She attended the service holding a photograph of a 26-year-old air hostess from Manipur who died in the crash.

The prayer service served as a moment of collective mourning, unity, and prayer for the victims of the air crash and their bereaved families.

By Catholic Connect Reporter