DIVYA JYOTI
A National Prayer Campaign of Light for World Peace Divya Jyothi, a campaign of light was launched and blessed by the President of CBCI, Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselius on 7th March 2002 at Jalandhar during the CBCI meeting. The core of this prayer campaign was a unique method of prayer centred round the blessed candle. This candle travelled from family to family, bringing together families, neighbours and communities, even from different faith backgrounds in an experience of prayer and togetherness. The main intention of this prayer project was to bring together people to pray for world peace - an intention for which the Holy Father had exhorted us to pray. The Divya Jyoti prayer campaign was initiated in more than 22 states and more than 76 dioceses in different parts of India. Almost all of India was covered like Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland in the North East, Punjab, Jammu, Delhi in the north, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Maharastra in the west and Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in the South. There was active participation and support from all who came to know about this campaign including Bishops, priests, religious and lay people. There was much enthusiasm and encouragement from all quarters. This entire project was co-ordinated by Mrs. Annie John from the Jesus Youth National Office. Divya Jyoti successfully concluded on Easter Sunday, 20th April 2003. Many dioceses had elaborate ceremonies to mark the end of this one year of prayer. Some dioceses even chose to continue this prayer campaign for a longer period. Below are some excerpts from a report sent from Jodhpur: The concluding Ceremony of Divya Jyothi was held in Jodhpur parish on 28th April 2003 for more than 200 people. The programme started with some joyful hymns, followed by choreography. After a message by the Asst. Parish priest on the theme “Happy are those who work for Peace”, the Asst. Co-ordinator presented a report on Divya Jyothi 2002-2003, followed by sharings of few family members who experienced God’s miracle through DJ. Then a skit ‘Prophet of the Nation’ was presented followed by a procession. One representative from of all the 52 families who participated in DJ took part in the procession. They came up to the main stage singing the hymn ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ and the Parish priest lighted the blessed candle for the last DJ in Jodhpur. People were singing joyfully and waving the candles. It was wonderful sight and a Spirit filled experience. Then the Jesus Youth - Jodhpur (JYJ) animator presented the theme “ We are Easter people and Halleluiah is our Song’ followed by a small praise & worship session. After the Parish priest shared on the word of God, intercessory prayers were recited in 9 languages by the parishioners. This was followed by the Jericho prayer. It was a glorious sight to see the whole community walking around the out-line of our mother country carrying lighted candles and reciting the mysteries of the rosary. Then the priests, religious and the parishioners anointed all the JYJs. The programme concluded with the concluding and thanksgiving prayer and some joyful hymns and action songs.
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