India
Yesterday, the Catholic Church in India celebrated Justice Sunday, an annual observance established in 1989 that mobilizes parishes, communities, and movements across the subcontinent. Inspired by the biblical words of the prophet Isaiah, the day centered on the theme «Justice begins with us». It marked a profound moment of prayer, prophetic reflection, and public advocacy on behalf of the marginalized, the discriminated, and the voiceless.
Faith that translates into daily action
During yesterday’s liturgies, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, head of the “Justice, Peace and Development” office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), emphasized that genuine worship of God is inseparable from the daily practice of justice. Faithful were urged to move beyond «facade piety» to become active instruments of social equity. Church leaders recalled that the Christian mission finds its fulfillment in following Christ, who restored dignity to the forgotten: «Learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow».
Cardinal Anthony Poola also reaffirmed the urgent need to uphold the constitutional principles of equality, secularism, and mutual respect, voicing deep concern over rising acts of intimidation against religious minorities across the nation.
Protecting charitable work for the poor
Yesterday’s celebration took place amid a delicate legislative and social debate. Indian bishops raised serious concerns regarding proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which regulates foreign funding for social organizations. The proposed restrictions threaten essential healthcare, education, and humanitarian assistance provided to Dalits, tribal groups, and the destitute. The Church has called for clear safeguards so that vital social service is not paralyzed by administrative obstacles or asset confiscation.
Jesuit priest Father Cedric Prakash echoed this call, urging believers to be a «prophetic voice» confronting the nation’s «open wounds»: the caste hierarchy, corruption, the exploitation of vulnerable laborers, and the neglect of «environmental justice».
A call to shared responsibility
Yesterday, the ecclesial community witnessed that proclaiming the Gospel is indivisible from the defense of human dignity. Caring for the suffering and seeking justice are not optional extras, but the living core of the works of mercy. In the face of systemic inequality, the commitment remains unwavering: standing with the vulnerable, safeguarding human dignity, and building enduring solidarity.
Image created digitally by spazio + spadoni
Source: Agenzia Fides
