The unexpected result of the recent elections in India is the fruit of the hard work of numerous persons in the field and the relentless power of prayer of many. One sister told me: “From the day the election dates were announced I have been keeping vigil regularly till midnight.” In order that our country may remain a vibrant democracy it is important that we continue both to be active in the field and to pray.
Need for Constant Prayer for the Country
St. Paul invites us to pray for our country and its leaders: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim 2:1-2). The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that praying for the country is an obligation that derives from the fourth commandment (CCC 2238-2240).
In her apparition at Fatima on 13 July 1917 to Francis, Jacinta and Lucy Our Lady asked that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart so that people would enjoy peace. Through Blessed Alexandrina da Costa, in July 1935 Jesus asked that the entire world be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary so that the world would be spared of calamities and wars and enjoy peace and prosperity. These requests of Our Lady and Jesus show that we need to continue to pray entrusting the countries and the world to the Immaculate Heart so that peace and justice may reign everywhere. Mary Assumed into Heaven is the patroness of India and India was entrusted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on 25 March 2020.
Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb
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