– Mita Mukherjee

The recent “horrific attack” In Pahalgam that claimed innocent lives is a “stark reminder’ of the “fragility of peace” and in such a situation,”fear and division” should not be allowed to define us, Father Dominic Savio, principal of St Xavier’s College Autonomous, Kolkata said at a memorial service for Pope Francis on Tuesday.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for compassion, unity, and resilience in the face of terror. May the souls of those who lost their lives rest in eternal peace and may their memories inspire us to work harder for a world free from hatred and violence. Let us choose peace. Let us choose humanity. Let us not allow fear and division to define us,” Father Dominic Savio said.

On April 22, the carnage at Balsaran Valley in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people.

St Xavier’s College and the St Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association conducted the interfaith memorial service for the eternal repose of the soul of Pope Francis at the institute auditorium.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of innocent people. In the face of such senseless violence, we stand united in grief, in prayer, and in unwavering solidarity with the families of the victims. We stand united in condemning this heinous act of violence…… Let us pray for the repose of the souls lost for the strength to overcome hatred with love….,” Father Dominic Savio said.

He said they had gathered to offer heartfelt prayers for the departed soul of His Holiness Pope Francis, who he said was a “shepherd of peace and compassion.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, a beacon of humility, compassion, and global peace and unity. His legacy of inclusivity, social justice, and service to the marginalized will continue to inspire not only the present generations but the future generations as well…. The first Jesuit Pope…. who steered the Church and impacted the world in deep, spiritual and humane ways,” he said.   

Father Jeyraj Veluswamy, rector, St Xavier’s College, Reverend James Arjen Tete, Provincial Kolkata and leaders from other faiths too offered prayers and paid their tribute to the Pope.  

Swami Suparnananda, secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture and Farhat Banu, dean of arts, St Xavier’s College were among them.

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