“Festival of Peace” held in Jamshedpur

The three–day ecumenical "Festival of Peace" which commenced on Oct. 05 at T Sitaramdera ground, Jamshedpur, Jharkand, concluded this week.

Bishop of Jamshedpur Felix Toppo, led the festival with the help of pastors and laity of Catholics supported by other Christian denominations in the area, reported Catholic Bishop's Conference of India (CBCI).

“All of us need to pray for the peace in our hearts, in our families, in our city, in the state, in the country and in the whole world,” said Bishop Felix, in his inaugural speech.

“There is no peace because there is evil. And there is evil because there is ego and greed in us.” added the Bishop.

Urging Christians to live in peace, the Bishop said, “Christians must learn to live in peace among ourselves and also among people of different faiths.”

The main speaker on the occasion was Dr. Robert Cunville from Meghalaya. Dr Robert, is a prominent preacher from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The Christian leader led the people in prayer and even urged them to change their lives by prioritizing God more than anything.

“Getting together of all the churches was a blissful event and a powerful witness to the unity we are desperately looking for,” said the Jamshedpur diocesan communications director Fr. Vijay Kachhap.

“During the three days hundreds and thousands of people gathered together, prayed together and saw for themselves that peace is possible, if peace is given a chance!”, he added.

Several pastors, who were also welcomed at the event, encouraged the crowd with prayers and sermons.