Agra Archdiocese Holds Candlelight Prayer for Nuns

Agra, August 3, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Agra held a solemn Thanksgiving Prayer Meet and Candlelight Procession on Sunday evening at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, expressing solidarity with Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preeti Mary of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), who were recently arrested under false charges and later released on bail.

The Cathedral was filled to capacity as people from diverse backgrounds—across religions, communities, and sectors of society—gathered in a strong show of faith, unity, and support for justice and communal harmony.

Most Rev. Raphy Manjaly, Archbishop of Agra, led the prayer service and the procession, offering prayers of thanksgiving for the Sisters’ release. In his address, Archbishop Manjaly appealed to society and authorities not to misconstrue the Christian community as involved in religious conversions, and not to misuse anti-conversion laws to falsely implicate those committed to humanitarian service.

He voiced heartfelt gratitude to the many NGOs, human rights organisations, political leaders, and well-wishers who stood by the Church during the crisis. Their united efforts, he said, played a vital role in securing the Sisters' bail and facilitating their safe return to their religious community.

“The Christian community serves with love, not with an agenda. It is unjust to weaponise laws against those who dedicate their lives to service,” the Archbishop affirmed.

The event concluded with a silent witness at the gates of the Cathedral, where participants stood in quiet solidarity with the two Sisters. The gathering symbolised a broader call for peace, justice, and religious freedom, standing firm against discrimination and false allegations.

The prayer meet was a powerful testimony to communal unity and the Church’s unwavering commitment to truth and service.

Agra Archdiocese Holds Candlelight Prayer for Nuns

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