wfn.org | Catholic Church in India observes World Day of Peace

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Article published in Hindustan Times, January 30, 2002

Spreading Gandhi's message of Peace
Dominic Emmanuel

The world Day of Peace is observed by the Catholic Church throughout the
world on January 1 every year. In India, however, the Church makes an
exception and observes the same on 30th January to coincide it with the
martyrdom day of the Father of the Nation.

The final words that poured out from the lips of Mahatma Gandhi as he
fell victim to the villain's bullets were, 'Hey Ram', confirming what
the world had by then come to regard him, 'a true walking saint'.

Peace for Gandhi was not just a matter of words. So often on hearing of
conflicts between Hindus and Muslims, he would immediately take on an
indefinite fast, whenever and wherever the occasion demanded it.

Whether during his freedom struggle or indeed after he had managed a
successful 'Quit India Movement', through the unprecedented
'non-violent' means, peace was what he had earnestly desired the most in
his heart and through his actions. That is why 'Hey Ram' were not mere
words that blurted out from his lips at the time of his death but
something that was deeply ingrained on his heart through his constant
dialogue with God and Truth.

Men and women of God can certainly do a great deal for Peace in these
conflict ridden times, not just by observing World Day Peace or by
delivering impressive spiritual discourses on the subject but by taking
concrete steps towards it.

One such sincere attempt was seen last week when on January 24, Pope
John Paul II, invited religious leaders from various religions and
countries to join him at Assisi to pray for World Peace. Some 300
religious men and women joined him on the Train of Peace from Rome.

The 81 year-old fragile looking Pope traveled to Assisi by train. After
the 11 September incident the Pope has made several appeals to world
leaders for Peace. He gave proof of his moral courage by even
criticizing U.S. for indiscriminate bombing in Afghanistan.

It is indeed sad to note that in the land of Gandhi and Tagore, of
Buddha and Mahavira, of Gurunanak and Kabir, of Shankaracharyas and Sufi
saints, of Mother Teresa and millions of other saints, the clouds of war

are threatening to rain down bombs and bullets on both India and
Pakistan.

Being by now familiar with the ways of the Mahatma, we are more than
sure what path he would have chosen. Would we have the courage today to
follow the way of Gandhi and spread  the message of non-violence  to the
ends of the earth, starting indeed from with our immediate neighbour
first?