From the Archbishop’s Desk

Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters,

In the light of the news that the Government of Maharashtra plans to introduce the Freedom of Religion Bill in the State, I am sending you a Prayer for Peace, Protection and Communal Harmony which is to be prayed at all Masses on Sunday as well as in Religious Communities. Our SCCs, Associations and Families are urged to recite this prayer.

This prayer will be made available on the Archdiocesan website. Information about printed copies of the prayer will also be available on the Archdiocesan website shortly.

We believe in the power of prayer and trust that the Lord will hear us.

✠ John Rodrigues

Archbishop of Bombay

August 21, 2025

 Prayer for Peace, Protection and Communal Harmony in India

Heavenly Father, God of love, justice and peace, we come before You with hope and trust, bringing to You the joys and struggles of all our citizens, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ across India.

Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, came on earth to give us an example of selfless love and to lead us to You to the home of eternal happiness.

We raise up to You our beloved country, so rich in its tapestry of different cultures, religious beliefs and languages. We pray that all may live in true harmony and dedicated service to the needy.

Lord, look kindly upon Your children, especially those who feel vulnerable or misunderstood. Give strength to the innocent, courage to the falsely accused and comfort to all who face hardship because of their faith. Protect them with Your love and keep them safe in Your care.

 We, in Maharashtra, pray specially for the planned Freedom of Religion bill, and for similar laws across our country. May these laws be used with fairness and wisdom, never to cause harm, but to uphold the dignity and freedom of every citizen. Let truth prevail over falsehood, and justice shine like the noon day sun, shielding Your faithful from harassment and ensuring that all laws uphold true freedom.

Loving Father, pour out Your blessing on all who hold positions of responsibility. Touch their hearts with compassion and wisdom, so that decisions may be made for the common good. Where there is misunderstanding, bring clarity; where there is prejudice, bring healing; and where there is fear, bring trust.

 Gracious God, we pray for unity among all communities of our nation. May people of every religious tradition, belief and background learn to walk together in mutual respect and friendship. May suspicion give way to solidarity and harmony grow in our diversity, so that India shines as a land of peace, dignity, and shared hope.

Holy Spirit, guide our leaders, lawmakers, and law enforcers to serve with integrity and fairness, protecting the rights of every person, and fostering a society where all are free to live and worship in peace.

 We entrust our prayers to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Saint Thomas the Apostle, Patron of India, and all the holy martyrs who heroically bore witness to Christ in our land.

 We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.