Mangalore Bishop’s supportive presence at Gregory Patrao’s fight for justice
By Fr Francis Rodrigues
Pictures: William Pereira and Raknno
Mangalore, 23 June 2010: Having number of individuals and 23 multi-religious associations extending their support to Gregory Patrao, his fight for justice has reached 7th day today (23rd of June, 2010). Today’s fasting and protest was led by the Catholic Sabha of Mangalore Diocese under the leadership of Walter Cyril Pinto, the President and Godwin Pinto, the Secretary. Number of Christian Associations like Catholic Sabha, Citizens Forum for Mangalore Development, Vimukthi Trust, Bandavya Trust, Canara Organization for Development and Peace etc. have joined hands with Gregory Patrao in his fight for justice.
Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore gave his supportive presence in front of the DC office today and blessed the efforts of Gregory and others on the way to justice.
In his message from the protest dais, he said: ‘Jesus Christ has condemned injustice and fought for justice. We follow his example. We are not against any developments. But in the process of developments we should not give way to unlawful proceedings which would snatch away the rights of the simpler folk inflicting injustice on them. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, we assure our support to a farmer who has experienced injustice. We need progress with rights and justice.’
Fr William Menezes, the PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore and Fr Onil D’Souza the Director of Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) were present on the occasion.
Comments on this Article | |
Philip Mudartha, Qatar | Fri, June-25-2010, 8:29 |
Finally, the Establishment of Catholic Church in Kodial has spoken and sided with Gregory Patrao. Patrao has fought legal battles for decades and lost even at the Apex Court. He has drawn popular and political support through his struggling period. He has also drawn flak from those who view development has a price and it must be paid (always by others, not self!). When the Global Investor Meet recently announced the 40K crores of investment, our media applauded. I submitted my dissenting opinion to some of them. My views were not published possibly because editors found them to be contrary to the popular mood. I hope this Church supported agitation is not branded as communal. I hope it does not polarize our citizens and label the Catholics as anti-national. Especially as Fr. Onil is involved. | |
Antony Menezes, Shirva | Wed, June-23-2010, 2:52 |
Unity is strength. Many thanks to Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore for the support with his presence. We need to address all causes like this by being united. |