Nepal Catholics pray on national day of mourning

In brief

Nepal is observing a national day of mourning on September 7 following catastrophic floods caused by a glacier collapse and ice avalanche on the border with China. The government scheduled the mourning for the 13th day after the August 26 disaster to follow the traditional Hindu practice of commemorating the 13th day after a death.

Approximately 10,000 Catholics in Nepal are participating in spiritual prayer for the nation. Father Pius Perumana, a priest of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal, told Agenzia Fides that the community is praying for the people while preparing to respond to the humanitarian emergency and recovery efforts.

The government estimates that more than 5,000 people remain missing, though Father Perumana noted that some faithful are among those with no current news. The death toll continues to rise as more bodies are recovered. Rescue operations face difficulties because destroyed bridges and swept away roads have made many high-altitude areas inaccessible.