Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil
Bishop of Kohima, Nagaland
I am sure that we have been following up the much awaited political settlement of the Naga problem and the “framework agreement” that Government of India (GOI) signed with Naga national leaders. The peace process is at a critical juncture and at cross road, not knowing what is going to happen, where to turn, what to believe, whom to trust, what to expect, how to be involved, etc. It is in these moments of darkness and uncertainty that we need God’s enlightenment, guidance and inspiration. These can be obtained only by being alert and docile to the Spirit, which come only by prayer.
Therefore, I, on behalf of the people of Nagaland in general and of the Catholic Community in particular to join us in prayer for God’s guidance. The Catholic Church in Nagaland is keeping August 15th as a special day of prayer. On this day we would like to pray for all our leaders that they may be led by the power of the Holy Spirit to seek and find solutions to build up our society, strengthen our relationship and bring about reconciliation and peace among all peoples through the powerful intercession of Mother Mary. We pray for all stake holders and people involved in the peace process and dialogue may have a good health of mind and body, wisdom and courage to make decision that will bring about lasting peace and harmony, prosperity and development of our people.
We shall also continue praying the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (given below) for peace and reconciliation in Nagaland, which we have been praying for the last four years in most of our churches and communities.
“Lord, make me a channel of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life”.
