Circular: 02/2024
March 04, 2024
My dear Collaborators,
Re.: National Day of Fasting and Prayer: Friday, March 22 2024
We are in the Season of Lent and I am confident that we, in some way or the other, are preparing ourselves personally as well as those under our care to make the Lenten Season a time where we can grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) during its recently concluded 36th General Body Meeting highlighted the importance of prayer especially for our Nation. Through its circular dated February 23, 2024, the CBCI has exhorted all the (Arch)dioceses to observe a National Day of Fasting and Prayer on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Accordingly, I request all the parishes, mission stations, Institutions in our Diocese, and religious communities to observe Friday, March 22 as a day of Fasting and Prayer, especially for our leaders and our nation, so that the power of prayer is harnessed to its fullest. I suggest that each priest and religious spend time in personal prayer as well as organize a time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for the parish, mission station and religious community for this very special intention. Much is wrought by prayer than the world dreams of. May our prayer, fasting and sacrifices in Lent and in particular on Friday, March 22, 2024 become pleasing in the eyes of God so that our country becomes a better place to live in where there is freedom, equality, goodwill, justice, unity, respect, and love.
May I earnestly request you to communicate the contents of this circular to your parishioners and those under your pastoral care.
Thank you for all your selfless pastoral services and with every good wish,
Yours in Christ,
+Barthol Barretto Bishop, Diocese of Nashik