Karkala: Miscreants Ransack ‘Way of Crosses’ at St Lawrence Shrine


Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (RD)

Karkala, Feb 10: Few holy crosses erected long ago at Parpalagudde, near St Lawrence pilgrimage centre, Attur, here, in the church property were found to be ransacked by some miscreants, on Friday, February 8 night. 

There lies a tall holy cross in Parpalagudde, land owned by St Lawrence pilgrimage centre.  There are 14 more little crosses erected to serve as ‘way of cross’ which was usually flocked by faithful especially during the Lent.  The faithful on other days would arrive here to spend some time in prayers.  The grand feast of St Lawrence pilgrimage centre was just over a week ago when the damage to holy crosses were come to light.

The governing body of shrine (parish council) had learnt of damage to two holy crosses few days, ahead of grand feast of St Lawrence pilgrimage shrine. However, the damaged crosses were replaced with new ones, as the governing body determined; not to give any scope for communal flare-ups, in this regard.  Moreover, soon after the few days of grand feast, it was found that some miscreants have once again damaged some more crosses, while on Friday, February 8, all the crosses including restored were damaged.  John D’Silva, vice president of governing body has lodged complaint with town police, in this regard.  

The holy hill of Parpalgudde has been thronged by people of all faith, caste and religion.  ‘Ways of the cross’ being held on all Fridays, during Lenten season.  However, it was not known who have committed this, an act of sacrilege.  It was believed that some miscreants who arrived in cars have committed this act, as the hill can be accessed by automobiles.

  

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  • Joe M Tellis, Sangameshwarpet, Vaslane, Mangalore

    Mon, Feb 18 2008

    Similarly, I think 2 decades back they had broken the Big Cross placed on the Hill of Annamma Gudda of Uttarahalli Parish at bangalore, thousands of people throng here during lenten season for way of the cross, also a annual feast is held. They have named it now Hanumagiri. Hence, if stringent action is not taken against these people, the day is not very far to change the name of St. Lawrence shrine to some other name.

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  • Lilly, Mangalore

    Sun, Feb 17 2008

    God they don't know what they are doing, forgive them and pray for them to understand what they are doing. If they destroy the cross it is that they destroy themselves.

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  • shahnawaz, udupi/dubai

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    India is a secular country. It is shame on the people who did it, thus hurting the feeling of christians. BJP and its allies are fighting religions. Only after BJP is formed,and only this party started spilling the beans of intolerance and hatred. Christianity is a religion of peace. Oh my brethern Christian, pls have strong faith in God. God shall defeat their evil plans.

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  • Dony Lobo, Milagres, Mangalooru,Doha,Qatar

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    Many friends contacted me this morning over phone or e-mails and enquired about the origins of Shivajinagar Church of Bangalore., so I thought of informing the Daijiworld readers whatever I know of the same and which might be amazing to a lot of people. Legend has it that around a hundred years back when a group of devotees built a church near the famed Russel Market at Shivajinagar in Bangalore, some other community members who had lots of “muscle power” joined together and destroyed the church and also completely smashed the statue of Mother Mary.

    In a few weeks time there was an outbreak of a major Rat Plague, that strangely enough affected only the households of the said community and people started dying in hundreds. Panick Stricken community leaders realized that it is nothing short of a devine punishment, immidiately started seeking forgiveness from the Almighty and took the initiative at their own cost to rebuilt the Church (with Black Stones and marbles) and also reinstated what is now well known as the Miraculous Statue of Mother Mary Help of Christians known as Arokya-Mata.

    The plague shortly disappeared thereafter. Perhaps it is time that we realize that many Christian Homes and families especially in our home-land have completely forgotten the power of prayer especially the Daily Family Rosary with Night Clubs and TV Serials taking up this precious time slot of Daily Family Life.

    Even most of them attend (willingly or reluctantly???) the Sunday Masses more as a Fashion Parade with many of the women almost dressed like Christmas Trees., and even in the church the priest strangely enough permit Disco or Rock Music rather than Devotional or Prayerful Singing and praying. If the Religious Authorities fail to protect the in-depth spiritual welfare of the community by their example and guidance, then it is of no use to bemoan if the weak prayer power fails to protect fanatics from attacking our places of worship and even the Crosses.

    It is said that the Mangalorean Christian Community has benefited to a great extent due to the great power of prayer of the Nuns of the Cloistered Convent of Kankanadi (affectionately known as Bitorlyo Madri), and a few other convents.

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  • Michael, KSA

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    Obviously, the act seems to be deliberate therefore requires a strong and united reaction.

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  • jonathan, british virgin islands

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    I would like to give the example of Orissa. A missionary was burned alive inside the car along with his family in sleep inside the car. But god's anger , after few days the whole orissa was washed away by cyclone. so please beware the people who harm or throw the cross will also be thrown away by cyclone. you can close the eyes of human being but not god

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  • Dony Lobo, Milagres, Mangalore,Doha, Qatar

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    Perhaps this is a grim reminder of what happened on May 8th 1958 to the Bishop's House Chapel (Irmage) of Kodiyalbail...Also a reminder to what happened to those who set fire to the first Kelarai Church which was built and given to the Diocese of Mangalore by the late Vokil Kaitan Lobo. Elders of the communithy especially in Bangalore may remember the story on the origin of the Shivajinagar (Mary Help of Christians) church.

    After all a Place of worship and especially the Cross are not tools of political gameplay., they belong to the Super Supreme Power - and those playing with them, will only invite disaster on their own selves and families. Let's pray that these Self roclaimed "brave" cowards, seek forgiveness from the one who died on the Cross and save themselves and their families from His anger.

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  • Fr Maxim Rosario, Valencia

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    This heinous act has to be condemned by the people of all faiths.Karkal shrine of all religions. There is a lot of devotion to St Lawrence. Police have to book culprits inmediately and undo what has been done.

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  • Raphael Almeida, Udupi Bangalore

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    There are many good things to do in this world. Why people cannot understand this? Why don’t these people join hands with police to eradicate terrorism? Why these people show their animosity to Peace loving community? Lord you alone know the best. Lord please help them and bless them. Raphael Almeida Bangalore

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  • Alwin pinto, shirva-dubai

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    Arrest the culprits soon.

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  • Eric Rodrigues, Canada / Pangla

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    Police should take appropriate action on this incident keeping political interest aside. Let the police force create trust and confidence in ordinary people. It's going too far now!!!!!

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  • Vishu shetty, kuwait / nandikoor

    Mon, Feb 11 2008

    What happened to our genius south canara people who were known for their well mannerd behavior ,Whoever it is its too bad to hurt anyone for no reason ,Let god bless them .

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Title: Karkala: Miscreants Ransack ‘Way of Crosses’ at St Lawrence Shrine



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