Tiangia village in Rakia parish, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar diocese, northeastern India, was among the worst hit villages in the wave of anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal in 2008. Survivors say it was the rosary that helped them keep their faith during the persecution.
Anakleto Nayak, a catechist who escaped anti-Christian persecution who led the October 3 rosary, said: “I have experienced special strength and power through prayer and recitation. Rosary during the persecution in Kandhamal.”
During the recitation of the Rosary, Anakleto Nayak prayed for peace, harmony, equality and fraternity in India, in Odisha and Kandhamal where Hindu extremists continue to openly threaten Christians, demanding that Christians renounce their religion.
Anakleto Nayak said hatred towards Christians has not stopped in the country. Those who wanted to become Christians were threatened and given 10,000 rupees (Indian currency). They are also prohibited from having contact with Christians.
Other victims of the 2008 violence in other parts of Kandhamal also recited the rosary in October. Swati Nayak, was only eight years old when the violence broke out 10 years ago and had lived a long time in the camp. relief, says he has received special gifts, enthusiasm, and a love of learning. She was among the children of survivors praying the Rosary at Raikia Block.
Sister Jayanti Nayak, the Daughters of Charity, who leads the children in prayer, shared that saying the rosary gives the faithful special grace and strength. “The Rosary gives us victory over our enemies, gives us graces, brings peace, reconciliation and healing power,” she said. She said that each dozen Rosary is prayed for different intentions because they have strong faith and trust in this powerful weapon.
The Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Dominic in 1206 and gave him the rosary as a powerful weapon, explaining its uses and effects and asking him to preach it to others. The Church spends October praying the Rosary, as a special devotion to Mary.
Hong Thuy
(VaticanNews 06.10.2018)