Christians in Delhi Unite in Prayer for Peace on Gandhi Jayanti

New Delhi, October 2, 2025: Nearly 700 Christians from across Delhi gathered at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Gole Dak Khana, on Gandhi Jayanti for “Pray for India – Pilgrims of Hope”, an ecumenical day of prayer hosted by the Delhi Commission for Ecumenism as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 of Jesus Christ. The event, led by Catholic bishops and leaders from other Christian denominations, aimed to promote peace, unity, and care for creation through prayer and fellowship.

Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi inaugurated the gathering with a prayer and address, recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of non-violence, social justice, and care for the marginalised. He urged participants to transform prayer into acts of compassion, saying, “We keep alive the Father of the Nation’s dream by coming together to pray for India.” His message set the tone for a day of reflection, unity, and spiritual renewal.

Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Faridabad led prayers for unity, harmony, and reconciliation, while Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro prayed for Christian institutions—schools, colleges, and hospitals—invoking God’s blessings so they may continue serving as centres of learning, healing, and service. Leaders from Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical Churches reinforced the spirit of Christian fraternity, underlining the ecumenical nature of the day.

A particularly moving moment came with the chanting of the Nicene Creed in Syriac by Fr. Afilash of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, commemorating 1,700 years of this historic symbol of Christian unity. Prayer dances by students and the BEC Commission, hymns by choirs from Caleb Institute, Salvation Army, Prateeksha Seminary, and the Burmese Christian community, along with a short dance drama by Chethanalaya, creatively highlighted care for Mother Earth, demonstrating that prayer for peace includes responsibility for creation.

Fr. Dr. Norbert Herman SVD, Convenor and Secretary of the Commission for Ecumenism, reminded participants that “Love is stronger than hatred, prayer stronger than fear,” and led the assembly in the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. The day concluded with a benediction by Rev. Dr. Monodeep Daniel of the Church of North India, the singing of the National Anthem, and a fellowship meal, symbolising unity beyond denominational lines.

By Sr. Rani Punnasseril HCM