By Fr Richard Burkhao for BISMumbai

In order that peace and harmony may reign amidst unceasing violence in the state of Manipur, Don Bosco Church, Savedi, Ahmednagar, organised a night vigil on 7 August 2023.

The night vigil began with the Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. on 7 August, followed by the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. An hourly animation of the adoration was done by the different parish zones, with the help of the priests in the community. Though it was a weekday, there was a positive response not only from the parishioners but also from the people from the village centres where the Salesians go to celebrate weekly masses. Though specific time slots were given to the zones, each one came to pray as per their availability and spent as much time as they could in front of the Blessed Sacrament, praying devoutly for peace and justice in the state of Manipur.

Several scripture passages were read and contemplated along with the singing of devotional hymns. Some also made spontaneous intercessory prayers so that the conflict might be resolved. The night vigil concluded with the Eucharistic celebration at 5 a.m. on 8 August. 

The night vigil was the outcome of the silent march that was organised on 27 July 2023, on the Nagar-Manmad highway to protest against the injustice and violence against the people of Manipur, especially women. Many who were part of the silent march had also participated in the night vigil. The positive response and the active participation of the people in the vigil speak volumes of the care and concern the people have for the victims of violence and injustice in Manipur. 

One of the participants, Mr Dilip Tribhuvan, said, “I came straight to the church from my office without going home, because I feel it’s my duty to pray for my brothers and sisters in Manipur who have been affected and continue to be victims of violence and injustice. And I believe that the Lord, in His time, will do all things right.”