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How Mahatma Gandhi – nearly became a Catholic!

March 6th, 1st Sunday in Lent

6 March, 2022

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule, and to later inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

In his autobiography he tells how, in his student days in South Africa, he became deeply interested in the Bible, especially the Sermon on the Mount. He became convinced that Christianity was the answer to the caste system that has plagued India for centuries and he seriously considered becoming a Christian.

One day he went to a Catholic church to attend Sunday Mass and get instructions. He was stopped at the entrance and gently told that if he desired to attend Mass he was welcome to do so – in a church reserved for black people. He left and never returned.

Every word we speak to others can have lasting effects. Choose your words well.