Hindu nationalists demand arrest of Catholic priest in India for saying king was not a god
A Catholic priest in the Indian state of Goa was granted “anticipatory bail” Aug. 8 after police registered a criminal case against him for allegedly “hurting Hindu sentiments” in remarks he made about a Hindu king during a Sunday Mass in July. Hindu groups had staged demonstrations in front of the police station calling for criminal charges to be brought against Father Bolmax Pereira, parish priest of St. Francis Xavier Church in Chicalim in the Archdiocese of Goa. Pereira was quoted in the Mass posted on YouTube saying that 17th-century Hindu king Chatrapati Shivaji “was a national hero but not a god.” “There are a few people for whom Shivaji has become a god … Yes, he is a national hero. We have to honor and respect him. What he has done, the battles he fought to protect his people … for all that he deserves respect. He is a hero, but not a god. … We have to have a dialogue with our Hindu brethren and ask them ‘Is Shivaji your God? Or a national hero?’ If he is a national hero, let it be at that. Don’t make him a god. We need to understand their perspective. If we live in
Manipur: Catholic Bishops’ Association Calls Upon ‘Governance System’ to Uphold Secular Fabric
Not for the first time have concerns been expressed over attacks on churches and violence against women and children. New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has called for immediate initiation of dialogue between all the concerned stakeholders in Manipur so that peace can return in the state which has seen ethnic violence since May 3. A delegation of the CBCI visited the state recently. The team visited conflict-ridden areas of Kakching, Sugnu area, Pukhao, Canchipur, Sangaiprou, according to the statement issued on July 24. In the aftermath of the visit, the group has expressed surprise at the “prolonged silence” and apathy of the law enforcement agencies. “It is our earnest appeal that the governance system should uphold the secular fabric of our country, reinforce constitutional values and cultivate an environment of peaceful co-existence of various communities,” it said in the statement. The Christian body expressed deep concern over attacks on its religious institutions, places of worship and assault of women and children. During the trip, the team said that it found that the houses of people living in various relief camps have been totally destroyed. The team recorded that St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and Parish, which rendered educational, social and developmental
Catholic leaders say ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Christians unfolding in Indian state
MUMBAI – Prayers and protest marches by India’s small but socially influential Catholic community were staged across the country July 2 in response to ongoing violence against Christians in the country’s northeastern state of Manipur. Called by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, the protests highlighted that more than 100 people, largely Christians, have been killed so far in Manipur, with the carnage unfolding just ahead of the August anniversary of an anti-Christian pogrom in 2008 in the state of Orissa. The conflict pits the largely Hindu Meitei ethnic group against the mostly Protestant Christian Kuki people, each of which represents roughly forty percent of the state’s population of four million, but the Meitei enjoy the support of regional and national political forces dominated by the Hindu nationalist BJP party of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the violence began on May 3, estimates are that some 50,000 displaced persons are now living in 300 refugee camps, though with larger numbers expelled from their homes and villages who haven’t moved to any formal settlements. Over 5,000 structures, including churches and private Christian homes, have been burned, and some local observers claim that as many as 120 people have died. A June 22 message from
Indore: Catholic Society To Celebrate ‘Indian Christian Day’ Today
ndore (Madhya Pradesh): The Catholic Society will be celebrating St Thomas’ Memory Day as ‘Indian Christian Day’ on Monday at St Raphael School from 6:30 pm. Prayer to Saint Thomas the Apostle leads to miracles such as healing of illnesses, protection from calamities, and liberation from adversity, and spiritual growth. Many individuals have been cured, protected, and guided through their prayers, receiving mental and spiritual support. "St. Thomas the Apostle's unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the message of Jesus are truly inspiring. His story reminds us of the importance of questioning, seeking understanding, and finding our own path to faith. As a Bishop of Indore, I strive to instil in all members of the Christian community the same spirit of curiosity and critical thinking that St Thomas exemplified. His commitment to sharing the teachings of Jesus in different regions serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and belief,” said Bishop ChakoThotamorical, Bishop of Indore Diocese. “As the Parish Priest of St Francis Cathedral Church in Indore, I am deeply inspired by the arrival of St Thomas the Apostle in India, which historical records indicate occurred in the 1st century AD. The accounts of his missionary work and
Burning of Khopibung Catholic Village Leaves 44 Families Homeless; Negotiations Fail, Church and Mobile Tower Destroyed
Imphal, 12 June 2023: Khopibung Catholic Village in Imphal suffered a tragic incident last evening when the entire village was engulfed in flames, leaving 44 families homeless. Despite the villagers’ courageous efforts to defend their homes throughout the day, negotiations between the residents and an attacking group failed, resulting in the destruction of the village between 5 pm and 5.30 pm. The fire also claimed the Catholic Church built by Bishop Dennis, along with a mobile tower. Thankfully, women and children had already been relocated to safer places prior to the incident. As the community grieves, prayers for peace in Manipur are requested. In a heart-wrenching event, Khopibung Catholic Village in Imphal fell victim to a destructive fire last evening, leading to the displacement of 44 families. The village’s residents valiantly fought throughout the day to protect their homes, but their efforts proved futile when negotiations with the attacking group failed, resulting in the complete torching of the settlement between 5 pm and 5.30 pm. The fire not only caused immense damage to the houses but also destroyed significant structures within the village. Among the casualties was the Catholic Church, which held great religious and cultural significance. The church was originally constructed
