Circular: 03/2024
April 12, 2024
My dear Collaborators,
Our country is once again preparing for the General Elections. This is an important moment for us, since the direction that our country takes, its progress, and much of our everyday lives depend largely on the leaders we elect to the Parliament. As my collaborators, I consider it my duty to send you this Circular so that we mobilize our parishioners and people of goodwill to exercise their voting rights on May 20, 2024.
At the outset, I wish to make it clear, that the Catholic Church does not identify herself with any political party. But we have a responsibility to urge every eligible citizen to exercise his/her right and duty to vote, and to do so prudently, carefully and judiciously. Therefore, I earnestly request you to impress on your parishioners their obligation in this regard. We must be convinced that every vote does count. We owe it to ourselves not to let go of this opportunity to get involved in bettering the history, culture and destiny of our beloved country.
It is my prayer and hope that the General Elections will give us leaders who understand the anxieties of our people and respond to their needs. We need leaders who will:
1. Uphold the secular character of our nation and promote communal harmony and a spirit of inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
2. Care for the minorities and weaker sections of our society, protect their rights and work for their upliftment.
3. Safeguard the rights of the tribals over water, land and forests, and also reach out to farmers in distress.
4. Work for an economy that seeks in particular to help the poor and the underprivileged, protecting their dignity and enabling them to take their rightful place in nation building.
5. Improve the living standards in our country, ensuring a totally safe environment for all people, particularly women and children.
I request you to urge your parishioners to spend time in prayer, so as to be able to discern what is best for the common good. All of us must pray ardently for a good Government. Let us lift up our country to Mother Mary to guide, protect and bring us abundant graces.
God bless us. God bless our beloved country, India, today and always.
With every good wish,
Yours in Christ,
+Barthol Barretto Bishop, Diocese of Nashik
The contents of this Circular could be brought to the notice of your parishioners. |