Mangalore: Desecration of Grotto Hurt Feelings of Catholics—Fr Antony Serrao


Mangalore: Desecration of Grotto Hurt Feelings of Catholics—Fr Antony Serrao
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (CN)
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda

Mangalore, Aug 23: Catholics have been worshiping on  Pachanady hill for six decades and no objections have been raised so far. But the desecration of the grotto here by  miscreants has hurt the feelings of the community, said Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest of Bondel church. 

Addressing media persons about the attack on Saturday, August 23, he said that there are a total of 14 crosses here and a small chapel has been built for prayer. Meanwhile, the district commissioner has been asked to hand over this property to Bondel church and the process is under progress, he added.






The miscreants tried to disturb the religious harmony in this place by placing flags related to Hindu organizations. Meanwhile, a statue of Mother Mary has been snatched by them and a grotto which was under construction has been damaged. If  Hindu organizations demand removal of the crosses from government land, let them demolish all religious centers built on government places, challenged Fr Serrao.

The tahshildar of Mangalore has taken over the property and section 144 has been imposed on the spot. The tahshildar assured that the matter will be solved within 15 days, Fr Serrao added. Rudolph Pinto, vice-president, Bondel church, Lancy D’Cunha, president of diocesan Catholic Sabha, noted advocate Ivan D’Souza, and Sr Metilda, were also present at press meet.

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  • Clement Coorg, Mangalore/Dubai

    Thu, Aug 28 2008

    I do stand with ANITA D'SOUZA'S beautiful comment, to Dr. Shetty.

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  • Suhail, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 27 2008

    My dear Indians, no religion preaches this kind of act, why blame a religion or Hindus for these kind of acts, these kind of acts are done by an organization or fanatics and political leaders, not all Muslims have Taliban state of mind nor all Hindus are Bajrangdal or RSS, we are here to sympathize and feel sad for such incidents so lets stop blaming one another and blaming religions for these kind of acts.

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  • Ritesh castelino, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 26 2008

    Dear Dr.Srinivas I would just like to know what are you trying to express here. Your statements seem to contradict each other. Initially you are saying something against the Catholics and then you are asking for peace! A point I would like to make is on your statement regarding MAJORITY and MINORITY. What is MAJORITY and MINORITY when we are one country? When there is a bomb blast in a crowded market will you be happy when the MAJORITY who died were hindus or the MINORITY who perished were catholics? Will you talk about respect

    Let me also add that the catholics are at the forefront in the education sector of our country.If not for the catholic schools and hospitals (for which narrow minded people like you will never be qualified enough to serve) my country would have never been what it is today?? Let this not start off as a war of words Dr. Shetty.

    My sincere request to you is please think from your heart and not your brains.Dont stress your brains beyond limit because it may already be overloaded with all your years of medical know how! Be humble doctor.You are supposed to earn respect from the very fact that you are in the most noble profession and not earn peoples wrath with your ignoble comments!

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  • Abdul Aleem , AbuDhabi

    Tue, Aug 26 2008

    Srinivas what are you trying to say? You for sure want to say something indirectly. Let me make it clear, All you have in your wicked mind is "Muslims or KFD are behind this" am I right?? Sadly that is not true.We Muslims dont do such cheap things.Have you seen the the Freedom parade? That shows how disciplined we are and we know what to do and what not.

    By the way let me make it clear that we dont hate hindus, Islam doesnt say to hate any other religion but fanatic organizations like RSS,Bajrang Dal,Ram Sene etc are always involved in cheap activities that We Muslims have to react.Is that clear??Now all we do is in short "Tit for Tat"

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  • Anita D'Souza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    Dr. Shetty: Quote: The first part was a gentle reminder to some Christians who were holding high moral ground, not to forget their violent past.- unquote. Whose violent past? If some people had committed mistakes decades/ centuries ago, why the present generation should bear the consequences?

    Christians were tortured and killed under Tipu Sultan, does that mean we too desecrate mosques? Our history says that British were driven out of India.There are around 15 lakh Indians in the UK, more than 90% of them are Hindus. Should Indians be terrorised and driven out of the UK, just to get even? Quote: Be grateful that u r living in a country where the majority still listen to the whines of the minorities”unquote.

    Would like to remind you that the country you live in, belongs to us too and we are not immigrants. It looks like your knowledge is only limited to India. You should read/browse not just Udayavani, but some national and international news websites too.

    Your same quote applies to Hindus in the UK. The recently built “HINDUS ONLY” school got £9.8 million government grant from Harrow Council. Does this happen in our country??? Quote: if a cross is found inside a temple does it mean christians are involved.unquote. Why this sort of thought crossed your mind? Are you planning to plant a cross in one of the temples to incite violence?

    Does anyone know where this doctor works so that I can advise my aged parents and sister's family to avoid that hospital. with his extreme views, he might even beat them up just becaue they are Christians(Remember Kota incident).

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  • Maria, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    What these people think of themselves. Who had given this authority to them?  If that Hill property belongs to govt. does this mean that the flags of Hindu religion to be placed there? does our government has any religion. if so then what happens to our catholic community in this country. Whr is our politicians who come to the door to door to ask votes?? dont they feel ashamed now by promoting this act with hindu people??

    Who the hell minister is behind this act?? Why always these people creating problems? whAt does the meaning of flagging 11 flags on the hill?we cantholic have the meaning of having 11crosses on the hill. does this hindu flags have any meaning in flagging 11 flags there?  why u all are sitting quite? dont u feel anything about the act of these extremists?? everything is done by the politicians than any one else.  T. they want to create problems in India. what they will get by doing such things??

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  • Naiem Mohammed, Bangkok/Uchila

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    Dr.Srinivas shetty ..are u really a doc ?? being so educated and using such words ...well well well.. And the Kings Message which period are you talking about 15th Century ....

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  • Rossy, Mangalore/japan

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    Descretion of grotto is done at night. I think only robbers can do this. If they want to show their courage let them show in the public.shameful deed.

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  • Dr.Srinivas Shetty, udupi

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    My,my,my!!! my dears in your rush to be secular,you forgot to read the second part of my message which is self explanatary,that is if u can comprehend english.The first part was a gentle reminder to some christians who were holding high moral ground,not to forget their violent past.

    What warranted such a reaction to criticise my profession,my education & my personality.if a cross is found inside a temple does it mean christians are involved. I DONT THINK SO !BUT THE WAY U GUYS THINK (my the level of thinking),THEN THE ANSWER WOULD BE YES.I think the readers will understand who needs to grow up.

    Seriously I think you guys should ask for a retd impartial judge from a high court of another state to head the inquiry to find out who are the real culprits.

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  • Pinto, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    "We christians will not be safe anymore in India", unless this incident is highlighted to the world at large, the suffering will be immense. If the same government rules the state and Country, then ...!!!

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  • Fr. Leslie Shenoy, USA/Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    I strongly condemn and pray for peace. It is very shameful that such act of hate has taken place in this 21st century. Christian community always has and will work for peace and service of mankind. I believe, there is a conspiracy to divide the Hindus & Christians by some people in the name of God. I pray that good sense may prevail and truth may be the winner. May God bless and give you, Fr. Anthony and your people at this difficult time. My prayers and support is with you Fr. Anthony.

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  • Francis-Mangalore, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2008

    The attacks on peace loving people of christian community is become a routine act of so called indian terrorist's local goondas doing this. When the government protects the goondas this thinks multiplies. Its coward act to destroy religiouse places of worship , which brings disgrace to mangaloreans.

    It looks like mangalorean are also turning to the voilent act as seen in Neghibouring countries. If this act continues its bad for INDIAN democracy. Corruption is at high and if Goondaism is given support then GOD KNOWS HOW we will become developed and super power in future. Any way GOD FORGIVE THESE PEOPLE AND BRING THEM TO CORRECT PATH OF PEACE, LOVE AND LIVE IN HARMONY.

    Govenment..police authority ..just dont show you are not existing in Mangalore.. Protect the law,people and wealth of our nation .Bring justice and peace..If such incidents are left free than there is no way people will support this govenmnet of BJP.

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  • Fr Roque D'Souza, Mangalore (Seminary)/ Fort Dodge, Iowa

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It is heartening to see many voices expressing solidarity with Bondel Catholic community. Now that BJP is in full power in the State, I am afraid, fundamental forces will take law into their own hands to intimidate the minorities now and then. I hope, those in charge of the law and order will deal fairly with this cases. Let us maintain our calm without inciting communal fires. My prayerful suppport to Fr Antony and the Christian community in Pacchanady and Bondel.

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  • William, Milagres,Manglore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It is really shocking to read the news as to what happened at Bondel.At this modern era there can not be a INDIAN who is doing this. Am sure this is hand of some alien who wants to destroy the peace of the land. I appeal all the bretheren of Mangalore to join hands and throw these fellows into Arabian ocean

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  • Maxim A, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It is a very shameful act. This act is done by the people who don’t have respect to their own family, neighbors, society and to the country. These are unemployed people and they are used for do such an act by mastermind people to destroy PEACE among religions, so our politicians make this issue big for their power sake rather than going for harmony.

    Those people behind this act should be arrested and put behind the bars. Our Bishop has to take necessary action to legalize all church worshiping places, which are not in proper document (since 60 years this place is under Bondel church but not legalized as per Vijaya Karnataka news paper).

    Let the all the people understand that we are Indian’s and it is secular country. Instead of putting the flag and pole with that money they would help needy people. Lord enlighten their mind to live peacefully in this world.

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  • Michael, KSA

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It happend in Karkal and now in Pacchanady and it will continue unabated if we take the incidents lightly. It is the time to change our philosophy in line with the changing situations.

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  • c ferrer, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Dear Dr Srinivas Shetty, You have quoted from somewhere about a decree by His Majesty the King- which King, when decreed and in what context. You mention that the decree stated that all Brahmins should be banished from Goa- are you aware of facts and figures, say from 1908 to the date of liberation from the Portuguese, as to how many Brahmins were landowners, landlords and even mining kings.

    Are you aware of the amount of Hindu marriages that have been registered in Goa for tis same period. Please check your figures and facts before putting in the public domain- you are a Doctor, an educated person. Have you been to Goa, have you seen the amount of temples there are there- please do not fan disunity.

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  • Maxim rosario, Valencia

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    What a heinous crime it is? Can there be a malicious act than this? Very often we speak of religious harmony and integrity but what happens next? The fundamentalist have taken a upper hand due to the unseen hands that are at work. Now the law should prevail and the culprits are to be punished without delay.

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  • Kavitha Shetty, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Dear Dr. Shrinivas Shetty. Change your mind set for god sake. Do you meant to say that christians should live with the mercy of Hindus who are majority in India ???. If it is the opinion of educated citizen like you, then what India can expect from a least educated citizens who are majority in India.

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  • Thelma, Bondel\Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Dear faithful,This done only to humiliate the Catholics.So Give praise to God and pray for peace and for those who have done this henious act.Lord have mercy onus and Forgive those who are involved to creat religious hatred.

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  • Edwin Saldanha, Shivbagh, Kadri.

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It sure hurts me. What hurts me most is my brother fails to recognize me. May my hurt be a sacrifice for the atonement of the wrong done by my brother. I pray for my brother so that our Heavenly Father will enlighten him to understand the realities of life. With love, Edwin Saldanha

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  • leslie dsouza, kadri

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    hey guys wake up and let call for a bandh close all the christians institutions all over the world specially in mnagalore these cowards have claimed the resposibilities they can do anything on streets all fo a bandh my dear christians if we don't this now we will suffer in future

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  • H L PINTO, MANGALORE/ABU DHABI

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It is a very shameful act. India has a mixed culture and mixed religion. That is the beauty of our country.People those who do such type of act are don't have any faith and do not believe in God. They never understand god and concept of religion.My prayer is that let god give them the knowledge of understand him so closely.

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  • DONY LOBO, Kelarai, Milagres, Doha, Qatar

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    While desecrating a Cross is an abnormal act of someone who is under the influence of the “Devil” however planting of saffron flags at the location does not mean its an act by someone (or a group) belonging to Hindu community. It could be an act of some invisible group which wants to create misunderstanding between Hindus and Christians, or could also be an act of an insider trying to settle old or new scores with the Dioces or Parish authorities and making a veiled threat trying to implicate the Hindu organizations by planting the saffron flags.

    Crosses and Religious symbols have been desecrated even in other parts of India as well as the world. After all saffron brigade did not blow up the ancient Bamiyan Budha statues. Investigation should focus on all angles.

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  • Rony Arun, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Dear Dr.shetty,you know the history.We christians are the product of the same order which you have mentioned.So we are not foreigners.We too are the citizens of India.If any one wants to take revenge for what has happened in the past well it is not on us,her majesty is still living!!!

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  • Fr Victor Machado, Jeppu,Mangalore.

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    It is shameful that such heinious act has been done by miscreants. I strongly condemn it. Remeber they came when no one around the place. The thief comes at night to sow weeds in the midst of good seed.We pray that good sense may prevail and truth may be the winner. I support Fr Antony Serrao and his people for the stand they have taken. My prayers are with them and for them.

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  • Blaise, Mangalore/Canada

    Sat, Aug 23 2008

    Is there anyone salvage this issue(and such incidents) or is it an ongoing situation so that the people cope with as it is at present

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  • Balthazar, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Dear Dr. Shetty, I am really ashamed that a person who has taken the oath Hippocrates! (ie if your a medical doctor) you better than any one should know that GOA under his (actually her majesty) was not a part of India when this was done. As an Indian you allowed some one to take over your land ( well your forefathers) you seem to be still having the stale blood of them.

    Please grow up, facts are in front of you. and Yes a party has claimed the responsibility. As catholics " we forgive them for they know not what they do" we will pray that they get wisdom and act like a democracy. But Sir - You are a DISGRACE to your fraternity and an insult to an impartial India. Please PEACE is the name of the game. I pray that you get wisdom as well - SOON !

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  • Alwyn D'Souza, Mangalore(Canada)

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    These terrorists do not love any religion or donot love their own family. So what people can expect from these people. Jesus is the only a answer for these culprits. As a good chrsitian our responsibility to pray for these terrorist to change thier life.

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  • Laveena Dsouza, bondel/mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    This act is cruel to christians where we are hurt a lot when this is a reason to make a fight among us when we all are one than why this act?  please take some action for this act see that this is not repeated again.  All Christians ,muslims,hindus are one than stop this .....

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  • H. R. LOBO, MANGALORE- PUNE

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    The word "worship" is not appropriate. It should be "holding devotion or veneration"

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  • Priya Dsouza, Bondel /mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    All the christians wake up now for the cruel act done to us we need to fight against this act done to us get together......... let we be one among ourselves and fight for our rights

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  • Vinod,

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Such incedents should be dealt with an iron hand

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  • Francis D' Souza, Abu Dhabi

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Dear Faithful, dont get panicked or over excited. They can destroy any number of Grottos or religious places but they can not destroy our faith and Whom we believe in. Any religion grows and thrives in captivity.

    Give praise to God and pray for those who have done this henious act. May be they have done without having full knowledge of what they were doing and hence now at least let them repent. But one who has instigated this will invite the wrath of Whose image he has desecated.

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  • Vinod Lewis, kallianpur/kuwait

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    India is a secular country which means there is niether a majority nor a minority as far as religion is concerned.I feel there is no need to make a issue of this .Just throw the flags away and stop blaming anyone untill the picture becomes clear. I am sure the culprits will pay the price for this.May Mother Mary grant wisdom to these crazy people who enjoy creating religious hatred just for their monetary gains.

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  • Clement D'Souza, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    I think there is a conspiracy to divide the Hindus & Christians who have good relationship in Dakshina Kannada. Some one making troubles to create panic between these two communities.

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  • Raja, Mangalore / Saudi Arabia

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    Its very shameful incident and I strongly condemn this. I am a Hindu and I dont believe these groups like Bajarang Dal or SIMI or so on. These all activists are none other than terrorists. If govt wants to ban SIMI, then they should go for Bajarang dal , Hindu yuva sene etc who are trying to withdraw peace from the community. Is our Hindu religion telling us anything like this to do???? Shame on you....

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  • Lancy lobo,

    Sun, Aug 24 2008

    The one who did this are the only terrorist these people should me made naked in public and cary on a procession till the from bondel to DC's office

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  • dr.srinivas shetty, udupi

    Sat, Aug 23 2008

    just because hindu flags r there does it mean hindus r involved?.Be gratefull that u r living in a country where the majority still listen to the whines of the minorities.Anyways i strongly condemn the incident.ALSO I AM NOT A RSS MAN.BUT READ THE DECREES PASSED ON HINDUS IN GOA UNDER CHRISTIAN RULE."His Majesty the king has ordered that there shall be no Brahmins in his land and that they should be banished.' 'In the name of his Majesty I order that no Hindu can or shall perform marriages…' 'The marriages of the supplicants are superstitious acts or functions which include Hindu rites and ceremonies as well as cult, adoration and prayers of Hindu temples…' 'I order that no Hindu temples be erected in any of the territories of my king… and that Hindu temples which already have been erected be not repaired…".So my hindu brothers two wrongs dont make a right.I appeal to all to maintain peace.Why blame the minorites for our troubles.Look inwards & try to unite our hindu brethren.

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  • K. S. Mayya, Mangalore/South Korea

    Sat, Aug 23 2008

    What a coincidence...Oscar's call for preparation for general elections is complemented with this incident where Hindu flags are all over the incident. I really wonder who gains from incidents such as these.

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  • Vernon Lobo, Mangalore / Edinburgh

    Sat, Aug 23 2008

    This Case needs to be handed over to the CBI. A strong message needs to be sent out these terrorist / extremist organizations. India is a Secular Republic not the property of a few GOONDAS and RUFFIANS who attack minorities in the name of religion. These extremists organizations who have back up of certain "Pseudo- religous"political party has the right to play with the sentiments of people belonging to any community.

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  • Msgr Denis Prabhu,

    Sat, Aug 23 2008

    I am deeply hurt to read from Daijiworld.com that the Grotto at Bondel is desecrated by the miscreants.The land that is used for the religious services for decades should be safegaurded by the Govt for that purpose only.We see in every nook and corner small shrines are coming up,trees are planted on roads obstructing the traffic,let them remove first for the good of the public.This done only to humiliate the Catholics.I strongly condemn this heinous act and urge the govt to take action.Fr Antony and his collaborators have acted well on time.

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  • A R U, Permude

    Sat, Aug 23 2008

    Is there any accountability and limit for these miscreants ?! How long it will go ?!

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Title: Mangalore: Desecration of Grotto Hurt Feelings of Catholics—Fr Antony Serrao



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