On June 11, 1963, Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc burned himself to death at a busy intersection in Saigon.
It was an act of protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the Government of South Vietnam and its Catholic President Ngo Dinh Diem.
His sacrificial act contributed in large measure to the toppling of the Diem Government some months later. A photo of this event taken by Malcolm Browne brought the attention of the world to what was happening in Vietnam.
Lord,
we ask that it will never be necessary today for desperate people to take their own lives in order to get attention and action in areas of deep concern.
We ask that their concerns be heard and action taken that serves the common good and provides justice for all.
We pray for all those who suffer discrimination because of their beliefs.
We ask a special blessing on those who are at their wits end for personal or political reasons.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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