The message received from the Vatican City by local representatives here on Tuesday which contained guidelines offered specific suggestions for the Dec 14, the day of fast called by 'Pope John Paul II in conjunction with the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramazan'.

It said that after the grievous terrorist attacks in the United States of America on Sept 11, 'the Pope John Paul had on a number of occasions deplored such violence and expressed his concern for the consequences of the military action taking place in Afghanistan'. 'The Church prays and invites everyone to ensure that love will prevail over hatred, peace over war, truth over falsehood and forgiveness over revenge', it stated.

The guidelines envisaged in the message added that the Pope John Paul wished the fast to become a cry of hearts to the Lord because without his help, it would not be possible to find a solution to the tragic situation now facing in the world.

The Vatican guidelines explained that the day of fasting involved all the faithful freely and pointed out that the 'local tradition will suggest the best form of fasting to adopt, eating only one meal or taking only bread and water, or waiting until sun down before eating'.

In addition, it would be the responsibility of the Bishop to determine a simple and effective way of placing whatever was saved through fasting at the disposal of the poor, specially those who at present were suffering the consequence of terrorism and war, the message added.