Udupi Diocese churches offer special prayers for Indian armed forces

Udupi: Following the directive of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the Catholic community of Udupi Diocese offered special prayers on Sunday for the safety and success of the Indian armed forces partaking in Operation Sindoor.

During the Sunday Mass, priests in every church offered special prayers through the Holy Eucharist and Adoration for the soldiers' safety and protection. Diocese Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo led a special prayer at St Joseph's Church in Belman, Karkala taluk.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Lobo highlighted the significance of the feast of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He noted the recent appointment of Pope Leo XIV as the spiritual leader of the Christian community and emphasised the Pope's call for global peace. The bishop urged the faithful to support the soldiers who risk their lives to protect the nation and to pray for peace, especially in the face of looming threats along the India-Pakistan border.

The pope's message stressed the need for dialogue and building bridges to achieve lasting peace. Bishop Lobo encouraged the congregation to stand in solidarity with the soldiers and to instil confidence and courage in them through prayers and support.