India: 18,000 pray together at Charismatic convention

Charismatic groups from all over India gathered in Ahmedabad, capital of Gujarat state, for a convention last week. In recent years there have been episodes of fundamentalist violence in this area, but the event passed very peacefully. The four-day meeting was attended by 18,000 Christians who came together to pray, listen to talks, meditate, reflect on Bible themes and take part in Masses held at Mount Carmel Cathedral and the church of St Francis Xavier. The convention spoke three languages: English, Hindi and Malayam and was presided by a St Vincent priest, Father Augustine Mudkkat, from Kerala. The Bishop of Ahmedabad, Bishop Thomas Macwan said he was pleased to host the event in his diocese because it was a splendid witness for the Year of the Eucharist. For the closing Mass many Muslims and Hindus joined the thousands of Christians to worship God and sing His praises. Source: Fides/ICN