Inter-Faith Procession Led by Archbishop Macwan in Gandhinagar Mourns Plane Crash Victims

Gandhinagar, June 18, 2025 – In a deeply moving gesture of unity and compassion, Archbishop Thomas Macwan of the Gandhinagar Archdiocese led an inter-religious candlelight procession to honour the victims of the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The silent march brought together members of various faiths—including Brahma Kumaris, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus—who walked in prayerful remembrance through the city streets.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Archbishop Macwan said, “The crash was so horrific and painful that it was beyond comprehension. People had just bid farewell to their families, taken photos on the plane—and within minutes, they were gone. It was truly heartbreaking."

He explained that the procession was a spontaneous and urgent initiative born out of deep sorrow. “We couldn’t bear the pain. So we decided to organise a candlelight procession and offer prayers for the departed souls and their families,” he said.

The march concluded at the St. Xavier’s School campus, where participants observed a moment of silence and joined in inter-faith prayers. Remarkably, the entire event was organised within a day, with all necessary permissions secured. “This wasn’t just a Catholic initiative—it was meant for the whole city of Gandhinagar,” Archbishop Macwan added.

The act of solidarity has deeply touched many, with the bishop receiving calls from non-Christian school friends expressing their appreciation. “They said it was a beautiful and thoughtful gesture,” he noted.

On 12 June, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner tragically crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. The crash claimed the lives of 241 people on board, with one British national surviving, and killed at least 38 more on the ground after the aircraft struck a building in the BJ Medical College campus. The incident has left the nation in mourning and sparked widespread calls for aviation safety reform.

In this time of national mourning, such inter-faith initiatives reflect the Catholic Church’s commitment to unity, healing, and solidarity beyond religious boundaries.

By Catholic Connect Reporter