Card Gracias expresses sorrow, offers prayers for Syria following Idlib chemical attack and US retaliation
The archbishop of Mumbai expressed Asia’s solidarity and offered prayers to Card Zenari. Children in Asia weep for those in Syria. Bombing worsens the unspeakable horrors of war.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), expressed to AsiaNews his deep sorrow for the US decision to attack a Syrian base in response to a chemical attack against a rebel-held town near Idlib.
On behalf of the Church in Asia, he said he was praying for suffering Syrian children, women, families, the sick and seniors. The cardinal extended to Card Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio to that tormented land, his solidarity and prayerful support. Here is Card Gracias’s message:
"Man's inhumanity to Man: The unimaginable horrors of war and the tragic loss of life and property is compounded by the use of bombs that are more lethal and destructive.
"The cries of agony of children, women, families, the elderly, sick people, the suffering of people make the Church in Asia suffer in solidarity with Syria. The Church in Asia supports Cardinal Mario Zenari with our prayers and acts of penance as we beg for God's Mercy.
"As the Spiritual Leader of the Church in Asia, I join my voice with that of the international community in calling for an end to all hostilities and a return to the path of peaceful negotiation. Dialogue and non-violence are the only true arms that will bring back peace to Syria.
"God is present in human history, even in its most tragic episodes. The Church in Asia prays for Syria. God does not abandon us but consoles the weeping.
"We pray that God may give eternal peace to all those who have lost their lives and turn the hearts of the perpetrators of this attack to values of peace, mercy and justice.”
"My heart is deeply troubled. I lift my soul to the Lord, O God from the depths of my soul I cry to thee for Mercy. Save our people and our brothers and sisters in Syria torn by grief and heartbreak. This has been going on for six long years, too long O Lord. The Children in Asia cry out for the children in Syria, pleading with God to save Syrian children from this senseless slaughter.”
* Archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC)
(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to the article)
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