We Indians are blessed with the rare opportunity to celebrate our Motherland’s Independence Day and the Assumption of the Blessed Mother on the same day. I began to feel greater pride and wonder about India during my five-year stay in Rome for higher studies.
While visiting various parishes in Italy during vacations for pastoral service, I encountered many who were curious to know more about India. One of their frequent questions was about the percentage of Christians in India. When I answered around 2.5%, their reaction would be: “Only that much?” Their next question would be the total population, and when I said 1.44 billion, they would raise their eyebrows in amazement. When I clarified that 2.5% of 1.44 billion amounts to over 35 million, they were shocked – especially considering Italy’s total population is only 59 million.
They would next inquire when Christianity came to India. Most assumed that the Church began in the 16th century with the arrival of European missionaries. But when I said that St. Thomas the Apostle came to India in the first century, proclaimed the Gospel, and established communities, they would listen with great astonishment. The Church in India also has the unique distinction of being named after the Apostle who preached there – the Church of St. Thomas Christians.
Many are eager to know about Indian languages. India is a country with 22 official languages recognized by the Constitution. When I explain the religions, they are equally amazed. India is a vast nation with 80% Hindus, 15% Muslims, 2.5% Christians, 2% Sikhs, and 0.5% Jains.
Despite immense diversity in language, culture, and lifestyle, this great country continues to amaze the world. Though disputes and crises exist in many parts due to these diversities, India strives to become a unified nation through tireless efforts. After many years under foreign dominance, India finally attained independence from the British on August 15, 1947 – a memory we now celebrate as Independence Day.
Today we also prayerfully celebrate the dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus the Savior, was assumed into heaven body and soul. This dogma was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950. Even amidst crises, adversities, and deep sorrow, Mary remained steadfast in faith, always saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”
The Blessed Mother never allowed her heart to be bound or darkened, always living in spiritual freedom. Mother Teresa had a firm belief that no prayer made through Mary would go unanswered. Based on this belief, she practiced a special form of prayer called the “Flying Novena” or “Express Novena.” Whenever faced with urgency or confusion, she would recite “O Most Merciful Mother” nine times, and often a tenth time in thanksgiving, believing firmly that everything would go well with this prayer.
Let us also place our trust in the intercession of the Assumed Blessed Virgin Mary and pray fervently for our Motherland, India, and for the Church in India.
With love, I wish all of you the blessings of the Feast of the Assumption and Independence Day.
Bishop Sebastian Vaniyapurakal
