Catholics and Hindus celebrate Mother's Day together

Catholic children, accompanied by their parents, began a spiritual journey to prepare for Mother's Day. Fr. Robin Rai, of the Nepali Church, addressed to the faithful saying that "mothers and fathers should guide their children in love for Mary and for their parents." Meanwhile, on the same day, members of the Hindu community gather in the family, and present gifts to their mothers. Both communities will celebrate the same holiday on 9 May.

Merina holding a candle in her hands, kneels in front of the niche of the mother of Jesus, and closes her eyes, clasping her hands in prayer. She's eight years old and many other children imitate her before the celebration of mass begins in the local church. "During this month, we go to church an hour before Mass begins and we pray together to the Holy Virgin - Merina tells AsiaNews - mothers symbolize creation and are very important for all of us.  The Mother of Jesus has made ​​ his presence in our lives possible".

In Nepal, there are frequent cases of marriages between Catholics and Hindus and it is often the case that members of both communities take part in the same ceremonies. In the country, the two religious groups have been able to develop a peaceful and serene dialogue. The joint celebration of May 9 is living proof of that.

Source: asianews.it (May 7, 2013)