The Voice of the suffering and persecuted​

“The wound of Kandhamal has not yet healed, and the global Christian community must remember that. The rest of India would like you to forget, but we must not allow the erasure of hate and violence from the public consciousness."

"Hindu nationalism is growing and the minorities—both the Christians and the Muslims—often find ourselves abandoned in the face of social injustice and discrimination for religious reasons, which happens quite openly."

“Father Simeon died on Good Shepherd Sunday, which is a moving sign. It is important to emphasize that his funeral on May 13 was attended not only by two government ministers and by Church representatives, but also by many animists and Muslims who are completely opposed to these barbaric acts."

“We thank God that the family is now being reunited at long last. We pray to God that they will have a better future and can put behind them nearly 10 years of suffering. We thank God that justice has prevailed.”

The situation is worsened by the country’s low birth rate of just 1.5 children per woman; the unemployment rate stands at 30 percent. “If politics cannot create better living conditions and ensure that the youth have prospects, then the country is heading into dark times."

Father Malaka Leonard Fernando is the Minister Provincial of the Vice Province of our Lady of Lanka, Sri Lanka, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans. His residence is just half less than from Katuwapitiya, where St. Sebastian’s Church was bombed on Easter morning. The Congregation also has a Friary just in front of St. Sebastian’s Church. Fortunately none of the friars were injured. Father Fernando spoke with Aid to the Church in Need. When did you get the news about the bomb blasts? On Easter Sunday I said Mass at 7 am at a nearby church. And just after ...

In a message to ACN donors, Bishop Mendis said that “we need your prayers that peace and harmony may be restored to our country.” He concluded: “As an act of solidarity, we must pray for all Christians who are suffering because of their faith.”

“Despite what I’ve experienced, I believe that I will be successful. And when I worry, I recite Psalm 23; I always carry a rosary with me as well."

Guided by this hope, as the Easter Triduum draws near, ACN invites all to watch and pray, for the Church in France and for the Universal Church; to watch and pray at the foot of the cross, at the side of Our Lady—and not be discouraged.

"We have to strengthen the faith of the people, anchor them in this country, and encourage them to be witnesses of Christ, to be the salt of the earth and light of the world: we cannot allow our presence here to become insignificant."