by Cleric Joyston Machado for BISMumbai

On the appeal of the Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona, a 40 day prayer, penance and fasting campaign began 30 July and is expected to conclude on 08 September, to ask the Lord to free and liberate the world from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Diocese of Poona has chosen these days before the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary to implore his compassion and learn the lesson He wishes to give through the pandemic.

The Catechetical Centre at Don Bosco Youth Centre [DBYC] Koregaon Road-Pune, with the help of the scholastics in residence and other lay faithful set up a 'live' Adoration service with the link sent by the Diocese on its Prayer 40 page on YouTube. The Chapel at DBYC was chosen for the animation on 16 August 2020 from 7pm to 8 pm by the Catechetical team.

Bishop Dabre urged the faithful to keep 02 incidents from the life of Jesus as a signpost during these days. The 1st being Jesus’ advice to the apostles 'Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation', and 2nd to pray like Jesus in the garden at Gethsemane 'Father take this chalice away from me, yet not my will but yours be done'. This is a clarion call for all to remain in communion with God in trust and confidence, with the singular purpose of avoiding temptation and being faithful to Him.