Card Gracias calls on the faithful to ‘pray’, then go and vote
In his message, the prelate urges voters to go to the polls because “This is a very important moment" for the country, choosing a "clean" candidate who knows how to make India "one large family”. He also asks parishes to take part in a "special novena" and recite the rosary during the Marian month.
Delhi (AsiaNews) – Card Oswald Gracias issued a new appeal to the faithful to vote, as other prominent Christians and Church leaders have already done, like Card Ferrao, for whom voting is a "sacred duty".
“This is a very important moment for our country; our beloved motherland is in the midst of an election,” reads the message released by the Archbishop of Bombay (Mumbai). “Please do not forget this important date and your appointment on that day at the polling booth," Gracias said.
Perhaps more than on any other occasions, Church leaders insist on the "opportunity" and the sense of "responsibility" that ought to guide voters in casting their ballot.
To this end, the cardinal calls on Catholics to pray before going to their polling station, stressing the importance of choosing a "clean" candidate, one who has not been convicted of corruption or malfeasance. This will “help the country become one large family."
"As Christians, we are called to be good citizens. As citizens, we participate in government by voting,” he explains. Hence, “Voting is a fundamental right but also a sacred duty. My first message to you is to vote. And my second message is to vote wisely.”
For this reason, the Archbishop of Bombay suggests to the faithful, before going to their polling station, to “Say a prayer to God to help you discern whom to vote for — one who will help the country become one large family.”
The prelate tries to press upon people the need to “Vote according to your conscience, for one who is clean, selfless, and will help build a healthy and happy society.” Such a person must show “special concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the disadvantaged, with opportunities for growth for all."
Turning to the parishes, he suggests they recite a "special novena" from 11 May “until the election.”
In his message, Card Gracias also provides some practical advice, such as to “head out early" because of the heat wave that has gripped India and other South and Southeast Asian countries in recent weeks.
Finally, the cardinal notes that May is the month the Church dedicates to Mary, the mother of Jesus; for this reason, it is celebrated as the "month of the rosary”, and parishes are encouraged to enhance their prayers by reciting a "special" prayer during this month, which he will send in the coming days.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Card Gracias had advised the community to vote for "good governance." In 2019, he recommended voting for a “secular party that pledges to protect the Indian Constitution.”
Over less than two months, in April and May, India will hold one of the longest and most eagerly awaited elections in its post- independence history.
In six weeks, about 950 million eligible voters – more than in the United States, European Union, and Russia combined – are called to pick Members of the Lok Sabha or House of the People, the lower but more powerful house in India’s bicameral parliament, which also includes the Rajya Sabha or Council of States.
This election will decide who will form the next government, as well as the fate of incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Whichever party or coalition wins a majority in the Lok Sabha, in a first-past-the-post multi-party system – will pick one of its elected members as the next prime minister, who, in turn, will choose the members of the cabinet.
Final results will be announced on 4 June.
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