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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