Fr Bernard Digal Dies, India Mourns another Martyr of Orissa


by Nirmala Carvalho/AsiaNews

Mumbai, Oct 29: Fr Bernard Digal has died after a slow agony of more than two months. The religious, brutally beaten by Hindu fundamentalists the night of August 25, has died two months later, this evening at 9:25 local time, from the serious injuries he suffered in the assault.

On Saturday, October 25, a feverish Fr. Digal was taken to St. Thomas Hospital in Chennai, in Tamil Nadu; the doctors operated on him to remove a blood clot from his brain, caused by the beating on the night he was attacked. Yesterday, his lungs collapsed and he fell into a coma. This morning, the bishop of the diocese gave him the anointing of the sick; Raphael Cheenath, archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar, was at his deathbed. The religious was given a respirator to keep him alive, but his body gave out.

Last September 10, we published an interview of Fr. Bernard Digal, given from the bed at the the Holy Spirit Hospital in Mumbai where he was hospitalized. During the interview, he told AsiaNews about the night of the attack and the violence he suffered. Fr. Bernard denounced "without bitterness, but also without sweetness" the brutality of the assault, following which "he remained unconscious and half naked in the forest for an entire night, until he was found by his driver."

"Fr. Bernard has been given the martyr's crown," Raphael Cheenath, archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwa, tells AsiaNews. "Fr. Bernard succumbed to the merciless beatings from the Hinduvta extremists. The Kandhamal Christians now have a powerful intercessor in heaven, Fr. Bernard will now continue his work for our people from his heavenly home."

"I Thought I Might Not Even Get a Burial": Fr. Digal Priest Recounts Close Brush With Death In Orissa.

Father Bernard Digal, one of three Catholic priests who escaped death during anti-Christian violence in Orissa state, wondered if he would even get a burial after being beaten and left to die.

Earlier News:

Father Digal, treasurer of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar archdiocese, was visiting Sankarakhole parish when the violence began on Aug. 24. He narrated his close brush with death to UCA News.

On Aug. 23, the priest and his driver Sisir Pradhan left the archdiocesan headquarters in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, 1,745 kilometers southeast of New Delhi. They reached Sankarakhole at around 10:30 pm.

"We had dinner. As we were preparing to go to bed after a tiring day, we received a call" saying Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a Hindu leader based in the state's Kandhamal district, was shot dead. "I could not believe it. We went to bed," he recalled.

He recounted that he woke up the next morning hearing anti-Christian slogans and people "yelling outside," saying they wanted to kill missioners.

Father Alexander Chandy, the parish's 65-year-old pastor, Pradhan and Father Digal remained inside the church compound the whole day and moved to a forested area at night.

The situation "got worse" on Aug. 24, Father Digal continued. "We kept getting information on attacks and killings in villages. We got stuck in the forest and survived on dry food."

Father Chandy was sick and could not walk far. To provide him better shelter, the younger priest and his driver went to the house of another priest's brother in the village. They wanted to use his motorcycle to go to a safer place.

Father Digal said they saw the entire house, including the motorcycle, on fire. The two of them then went to see the priest's sister in the village. She urged them to go to a safer place as people had threatened to destroy her house.

The two went to nearby Dudukangia village, where 15 Christian families lived. But the Christians refused them shelter, saying they too had received similar threats.

By then, night had fallen. Since returning to their hiding place in the forest was risky, the two decided to sleep in the village church that had already been torched. "It had only walls standing. We thought the mob would not come, and we were tired of walking all day. Our legs were swollen."

At 11:30 p.m., however, people came to the demolished church. "Seeing the mob, we ran," shared Father Digal. "Pradhan ran fast, but I was caught. The mob shouted to each other to kill me. I pleaded for my life, but they ignored me."

The mob then hit him with crowbars and sticks. "The beatings came like heavy rain. They stripped me naked and asked for mobile phones," the priest recalled.

He said he managed to run some distance but was caught. "I fell to the ground and they continued hammering me. Soon I saw blood flowing from my head and lost consciousness. They thought I was dead and left me."

In his semi-conscious state, the priest said he thought he heard wolf cries and feared the animals would feed on him. "I thought I might not even get a burial. I prayed to the Lord."

Later, two villagers came. By then, the priest's body had become numb because of the wet ground and a cold night breeze.

The villagers brought the church's broken door and helped him lie on it. They also brought him some water. "I was feeling a bit better," he said, "and the villagers left me alone."

His driver came looking for him in the morning, and later informed the police. Along with a few villagers, the police took Father Digal to a public health center in the village and later moved him to the district hospital.

After much pressure, the state administration brought Father Digal to a better hospital in Bhubaneswar. "There is no place left in my body where I was not beaten," said the priest, who is now receiving treatment in a hospital in Mumbai, western India.

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Comment on this article

  • Darryl, New Zealand

    Fri, Feb 08 2013

    Its very sad that this still continues in India. We say that we all live in peace and harmony but yet another attack on a priest...and still no one will be held accountable.

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  • hema fern, Mumbai

    Mon, Nov 03 2008

    Fr. Digal, may his soul RIP. One more witness to Him, laid his life. India is our country, religion is not dividing us, let us unite under the Christ.

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  • Fatima Fernandes, Mumbai / UAE

    Sun, Nov 02 2008

    Dear Rev. Fr. Bernard Digal - May Your Soul R.I.P. 'Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of Righteousness - For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven'

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  • Michael Lobo, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 01 2008

    May his soul rest in peace. The perpetrators will have to pay the price for killing the priest. No one is above God's justice. VHP and Bajarangi organisations will never be able sleep well in the coming days. Father Digal's martyrdom will strengthen our resolve to fight against Bajarangi and VHP through prayers to almighty.

    The sacrifice of laying one's life for the cause of protecting the faith is inevitable and this will strengthen Christianity rather than weakening. Suppression of any kind will not stop the growth of good values and goodness. History says it all.

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  • allen, Mumbai

    Fri, Oct 31 2008

    May Fr. Digal's soul rest in peace !!

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  • Daniel Davis, Dubai

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    Fr.Bernard lived as true soldier of Jesus Christ and was martyred.His mrtyrdom is an inspiration for all Christians to stand firm in faith & proclaim the Kingdom of God. May his soul rest in peace.

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  • SANGEETA, KUNDAPUR/NEWYORK

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    MY HEARTHFELT CONDOLENCES TO FR.BERNARD'S PARISH AND FAMILY MEMBERS. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

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  • Fr.Gregory D'Souza,Allahabad, Kinnigoly

    Fri, Oct 31 2008

    I have no Holy Water to sprinkle on your Blessed Body except a few tears to shed on your matyrdom and rays of hope that you will be proclaimed a MARTYR.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.I wish to get a reward as you got dear Father Bernard.

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  • T.S Doha, Kanajar

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    It is really very sad news.Our heartfelt condolences to FR. Bernard's family.May his soul rest in peace.At the same time we are all praying for people of Orrissa.

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  • Austine Salins, Brahmavar/Kuwait

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    Dear Father,We beleive church is built on the blood of the martyrs.Death is not the end but the begining of eternal life.Please intercede our prayers from heaven.Tears rolled down while reading the horrific story.In Christ we are united.The trial and agony you went through pains us a lot.Pray for us dear father.

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  • Jossy Gonsalves, Madanthyar

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    My hearfelt condolences to Fr.Bernard may his soul rest in peace. Pray to God to lighten up the minds of the violent people all over India.

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  • jeromearanha, Mumbai/Dubai

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    My heart felt condolences to the bereaved family of Fr.Bernard. I have no words to express my grief. I only ask God to forgive those who instigated and those who performed the crime. They know not what they do. They are burning,beating and killing the innocent people who have offered themselves to the service God.

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  • Arun, Mangalore / Dubai

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    Dear Father, God bless you for the courage and believe the Lord has called you to continue your services from a much better place for the people of Kandhamal. Mr. CM of Orissa, of there is little dignity in you then hang your head in shame and ensure justice is brought about. Remember after every dark night there is bright day.

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  • MATHIAS RC, UDIPI, AT MUMBAI

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    MAY FR. BERNARD DIGAL'S SOUL REST IN PEACE. MY HEARTFELT DEEP CONDOLENCES TO FR. BERNARD'S FAMILY AND PARISHONERS IN ORISSA. FR. BERNARD DIED A DEATH OF A MARTYR. HIS PRAYERS WILL PRODUCE THOUSANDS OF MISSIONERIES AND FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST IN ORISSA. CM SHRI. NAVIN PATNAIK AND HIS BJP PARTNERS HAVE TO RESPOND ON THIS CRUEL ACTION LEADING TO DEATH,IF THEY HAVE GOT A HEART.

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  • Violet Fernandes, Madanthyar / Doha

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    It is really very sad. Our heartfelt condolences to Fr.Bernard's family, may his soul rest in peace. Oh God how people in Orissa are suffering. God please lighten up the minds of the violent people.

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  • Peter Dias, Goa, Abu Dhabi

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    May his soul rest in peace.And may he enjoy the Heavenly bliss after suffering so much in this wicked world.

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  • Ronald, barkur

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    Oh what a spineless and immoral man the timid CM of Orissa has been ! Also, where is the Central Govt ? It is great to visit foreign countries like a good and polite Statesman , but until the foreign leaders and the Pope aired their feelings about whats going on in India, the PM did not say anything now, he does not do anthing anymore except issuing hollow threats to States which are treated like a Bedouin's firing in the air !

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  • Ronald, Barkur

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    Oh what a spineless and immoral man the timid CM of Orissa has been. Also, where is the Central Govt ? It is great to visit foreign countries like a good and polite Statesman, but until they and the Pope expressed foreign leaders and the Pope aired their feelings about whats going on in India, the PM did not say anything now, he does not do anthing anymore except issuing hollow threats to States which are treated like a Bedouin's firing in the air !

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  • Irene d'souza, mangalore/usa

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    It is very sad that these kind of events happening in this age. codolences to the family of Fr. Bernard and MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

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  • Jude A. D'Mello, Goa/Pune/Bahrain

    Thu, Oct 30 2008

    WE PRAY FOR FR.BERNARD'S SOUL TO REST IN PEACE.

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  • Joyce, mangalore/u.s

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    What a tragedy,when will it end? hope our leaders to take notice of the situation.   Rev Fr Digal you suffered so much mau your soul rest in peace. We pray for all the missionaries.  Their life is in danger. may the lord bless them joy

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  • Fr. Joseph D Souza OP,

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    My heartfelt condolences to the family and Bishop and Clergy of Orissa. Let not you hearts be troubled but trust in Him who has laid an example for all of us. In Fr. Bernard we have not just a Martyr but also an example for all of us. Do not fear or shy away from confessing the name of Jesus. When the Divine Justice begins unfolding, no evil power on earth can withstand it. Let us not condemn those who did this to Fr. Bernard but pray for them that may the good Lord show mercy to these perpetrators of violence. Fr. Bernard pray for all of us so that we too may be true followers of the Master just as you were.

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  • JERALD, SHIRVA

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Fr Bernard Digal, Each of blood shed from your body is precious and will not go waste without yielding GOODNESS in this world. We pray to ALMIGHTY GOD, may your soul rest in peace. Let the truth come to LIGHT & PEACE PREVAIL. GOD ALMIGHTY, we pray all GODS' MESSANGERS hereafter may be TREATED WELL in this world irrespective of CASTE/CREED/RELIGIOUS.

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  • Fr. Wency Rodrigues, Kemman/New York

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    May his soul rest in peace! A martyr died for Christ and his people.

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  • naina, mangalore/usa

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Father you will be in HEAVEN. Enjoying wonderful things in heaven and meet the LORD JESUS CHRIST face to face.whom you witnessed in INDIA. For the culprits God is in charge, people will witness the culprits how they will die and also wicked minded supporters in Orisaa.

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  • Christle N. Pinto, Mangalore-Doha Qatar

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

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  • Melwyn, Pernal

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Really sad to read the news. My hearfelt condolences to Fr.Bernard. May his soul rest in peace.

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  • Abdul Aleem Faroqui, Abu Dhabi

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    May your soul rest in peace! Hell will welcome for the people who tortured you to death!

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  • Marian Pinto, Madanthyar, Kuwait

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    its sad news .. may his soul rest in peace.my heartful condolences to Fr.Bernard's family.may your blood save the christians all over india.

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  • Savio D'Souza, Ammembal/Mumbai/Dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Christ says " He who suffers on my account on earth, I will bear witness for him in front of my Father and he who denies me on Earth will be denied in front of my Father" God bless you Fr Digal..... History is witness that anyone who has stood up against the people of Yahweh have been destroyed by God.... At this moment, we can just pray to God " Father forgive them for they know not what they do". As Christians let us pray that God may destroy these fundamentalists not physically but through their souls urging them to repent and become Christians just like the hard Roman empire converted after killing our Saviour. Yes, my dear fellow Mangaloreans and countrymen... the day is not far... History has many precedents ... countries most hostile to Christians have been converted.... Russia, Africa... we need the prayers of our dear Mother just like she interceded for the conversion of Russia

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  • Mario Andrew Rodrigues,

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Our heartfelt sympathies to Fr. Bernard's family members, parishoners, friends. God will grant peace to his soul. Those who are responsible for attacking Fr.Bernard ,now try and go out and do what Fr. Bernard used to do. Go and help the poor. Go proclaim peace. Go and spread Love and friendship.

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  • Rizwan Ahmed, Bangalore/Jeddah

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    It is indeed a sad news. All culprits who have engineered the communal frenzy which now resulted in the death of Fr. Bernard Digal should be brought to books and they should never see the day light again. May his soul rest in peace.

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  • Fredrick DSouza, Shirthady / Qatar

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Rev.Fr.Digal gave his life for the humankind. It's disturbing to know that the people in Kandamal and surounding are living in wilderness. despite knowing everything why Orissa govt is not providing shelter,sanitation & food on priority basis. Is the govt working democratically?

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  • R Prabhu, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    We pray for Fr. Digal who spent his time/life for a noble cause. May his soul rest in peace

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  • Mohan, Bangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Beloved Fr.Bernard You will attain Glory in the Kingdom of God. Let God avenge the murderer and may the wrath of God be upon him and his generation forever.May his children be fatherless and wife a widow.Let him not have an immediate death,let every inch of his body be eaten by germs until the last of his blood.

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  • Shanti Fernandes, Pune/Dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    My hertfelt condolence to Rev.Fr.Bernard Family. May his soul R.I.P.

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  • Sushil Kunder, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Fr. Bernard Digal, may his soul rest in peace. let's hope and pray we dont have any more communal violence anywhere in our country.

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  • A.S.Mathew, U.S.A.

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    My heartfelt condolence to Fr. Bernard's family. He has the crown of glory from our Lord Jesus Christ. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? I Cor 15:55. God will raise thousands of believers in Christ where Fr.Bernard was beaten by the enemies of Jesus Christ.

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  • Clarence D'cunha, Mangalore / Mumbai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    The early christians/martyrs built the Church upon Christ's blood and upon their blood. This is the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord flourishing in India. Martyrs' blood always, forever bears fruit eternal.

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  • cynthia vincent dsouza, bahrain

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Its is really sad. Our heartfelt condolences to Fr.Bernard's family May his soul rest in peace.

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  • Dr Richard Rego, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Fr Dighal is the martyr of Christ and for justice. His martyrdom will help all the Christians to live their faith much more boldly and also be true witnesses to the sacrifice and commitment of Christ, who Himself offered self for such a cause.

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  • Anitha, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    It is very sad to here this news, he suffered a lot not for his fault. May his soul rest in peace.

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  • austin, m

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    How many more innocent lives the Hindutva propaganda want to claim and destroy the peace in India

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  • Santhosh , Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    May his soul rest in peace. He is great, God given him opertunity to die as a Martyr.father when you are in heaven pray this all fundmentalist to change there mind,And beleave real GOD and peace upon them and us.

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  • Praveen, udupi

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    The death of Fr Bernard who was beaten to death by Hindu Terriorist should be taken up on an international platform. We should show to the world that hinduism and terriorism are two sides of the same coin.

    Still today violence cannot be stopped in orrissa by any Govt either the central or State. How long can christians live in this condition in Orissa. The same situation should be metted to the Hindus who are living outside India. Then only they can realise the importance of human life.

    Fr Bernard may your soul rest in peace. Heaven is a place for good people like you. You will definitely see these people who killed you in hell and the same people may ask water from you from Heaven.

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  • jeevan, dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Kandhamal: Madhuri Dalbehara was stringing flowers under a saffron flag quite assured that no one would torch her house in anti-Christian violence-hit Kandhamal - a telling indication of the fear that Hindu fundamentalists have spread across the district. "We have displayed these flags to ward off any attack on us," said Dalbehara, who is a Christian. "There is Hindu-Christian violence in our region. This flag is an indication that we are Hindus.

    No one has attacked our house so far," she smiled, asking a visiting IANS correspondent if he had "come from abroad to do research in the district over the violence." "It is a sensitive area and by hoisting the flag, we have made sure no one does any harm to us," she added. Thousands of houses across the district display saffron flags to give the impression that the residents are Hindus while, in fact, they are Christians. "It's better to protect your house and if a flag can save our lives then there is nothing wrong in displaying it," said Nabghan Chinara, a resident of the G. Udaygiri neighbourhood, pointing to the tiny flag fluttering on the roof.

    "There is no animosity between tribals and Christians here. We were all living happily but outsiders are spreading hatred. They might have some political motive," said Rajesh Pradhan, another resident. Anti-Christian violence has been boiling in Kandhamal ever since the Aug 23 killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a Hindu religious leader, and four of his supporters. While the Maoists have claimed responsibility for the murders, Hindu fundamentalists insist that Christians were behind the murder. "I am not branding Hindus as criminals or fundamentalists but activists of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are trying to bring in fascism in Orissa.

    We won't allow Orissa to become another Gujarat," said Swarupanand Patra, president of the Orissa Minority Forum, while referring to the anti-Muslim pogrom in the western Indian state following the Feb 27, 2002, Godhra train burning. "They are asking our Christian brothers to convert into Hinduism or else face death. Is this democracy? Why is the state government so slow in punishing the culprits?" asked Patra, who is also president of the Orissa YMCA. True to his allegation, there are posters and wall writings in Kandhamal asking Christians to convert to Hinduism.

    One such in Gadar Gaon read: "If Christians want peace, then they must adopt Hinduism...if you will not adopt Hinduism then the district will continue to boil". "This is a Hindu country and only Hindus will stay here," said a message inscribed on a torched house. At least 38 people, including a Central Reserve Police Force trooper, have lost their lives in communal clashes in the district following Saraswati's killing. While over 3,000 houses, mostly belonging to Christians, have been gutted or vandalized in Kandhamal, over 23,000 people have fled from their villages, fearing death.

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  • Ashvin Lobo, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    It is time we Christians unite under the cross and stand up united against these barbarian hoardes. Time we show them what it means to be a Christian.

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  • Vishal D'Souza, Mangalore / Bangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Really sad to know this, but there are some people here who only put crocodile tears, beware of them.

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  • Alwyn D'Sa, Shirthady (Rome)

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Dear suffering brothers and sisters, we have a one more great martyr for India. Fr. Bernard Digal has left this world, has sown a seed of courage and unity. It is very sad to read these kind of news but what can we do? We are less than 3%, nobody hear our voice, no security from the government! Remember my dear Hindu fundamentalist, today, all over the world Hindu brothers and sisters are living in peace with other religious groups.

    But we Christians in India, are not foreigners, our forefathers were born in India, still…. Although, we are less than 3%, our zeal to cater for the poor, the suffering, the sick, the orphans is great (we will not stop it) the fundamentalist do not see anything good in these, and yet destroying the peace and unity among Indians. Dear fundamentalist, our Christian religion teaches us to love our enemies and forgive them. We continue to pray that the Lord will touch your hearts for you to see the importance of living in harmony with others.

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  • Louisa, Paris

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Fr. Bernard has won the martyr's crown indeed. May he now enjoy God's bliss and intercede for his people in Orissa specailly those culprits! Louisa

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  • Ronald, barkur

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Surely it wont be too long before Almighty Gods Angel will start pouring out the contents from his Bowl of Wrath on these malicious, nefarious criminals doing the work of none other than the Devil – or Satan who makes them do this, for he (Satan) knows that the time left for him to devour and destroy souls is short. Good Hindus, who are just the same as good non-Hindus should speak out forcefully against these extremists and their leaders without any further delay or hesitation.

    Fr. Digal, pray for India, especially the presently suffering Christians clergy and laity in Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Also pray for our non-Christian brethren so that they are emboldened to join hands with their minorities in fighting all forms of evil in our beloved country.

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  • Lancelot N. Tauro, Manglore - Doha qatar

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Where is law and order? still hidden underneath Hidden Agenda? Should we forgive these type of merciless attack on innocent lives by Hindu Sangattan?

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  • Joseph F. Gonsalves , Bannur Puttur/Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Rev. Fr. Bernard Digal, You have worked and toiled in the Christ’s harvest field. You have accomplished assigned work of God. Indeed, truly you are a martyr. Those who work in the harvest field of Jesus Christ their reward is great. Therefore cry for joy that you will inherit the kingdom of God and may your soul rest in peace Luke 21:17 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name's sake. Out of Twelve Apostles Ten were martyred. Apostle John was miraculously saved and died in the very old age.

    Judas died at his own cost. (Apostle John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. He was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote prophetic BOOK OF REVELATION. Later he was freed and returned to serve Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey. He died as an old man who died peacefully)

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  • johnny, Dubai, Udupi / Dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    We have a true champion, he gave his life for good cause. May his soul rest in peace. Fr. Bernard, the future generation will remember your good work and you are the true deciple of our lord. By your death thousands of "new" Fr. Bernard, will come into existence to spread the good news to this world and to serve the people of Lord.

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  • Vinitha, Kuwait

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    May his soul rest in peace. Pray to God to lighten up the minds of the violent people all over the country.

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  • Shareef Moideen, Uchil, Mangalore/Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Fr. Bernad, all your efforts will not go in vain it will be continued by your colleagues to help the downtrodden no Hindu extremists can stop the noble work. Your assailants will be punished in the court of Almighty, so no bribe or influence will be entertained in his court and we hope that day will come very soon. Indeed you are a Martyr!

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  • janet d'souza, mangalore/ abudhabi

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Dear family members of Fr. Bernard we are with you at this very moment of your sorrow. May the Risen Lord give you strength and courage to bear this untimely loss. But be consoled that our beloved Fr.Bernard has run his race and has been given his crown and now we are sure that he pleads before the throne of God for his brothers and sisters on earth who are being persecuted because of their faith in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

    Now our mother church is further strengthened by the fresh blood of our martyr Fr.Bernard Digal. May the Holy name of Jesus be glorified now and forever. Fr.Edward Sequeira S.V.D.(Orissa) and his family.

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  • Sharmila Fernandes, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Dear Father,I am sure that You are enjoying heavenly Glory with our SAVIOUR.Though tears are rolling down,we have to accept it.B'coz JESUS already informed us the sufferings that we have to face.........He told us not to loose faith on him.B'coz he will help us all time.He will be there forever with us.Now You went to him.

    Please Pray for us who are in this DIRTY WORLD to face any challeges which we have to face in the Sacred name of JESUS CHRIST. Eternal rest give him to O Lord & Your Perpetual Light Shine upon him,May His Soul rest in peace. Dear Father though U Suffered a lot,U got the result of u r sufferings in this world that is according to me the Crown of a Martyr.Please pray For US......

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  • Alfred J. Rebello, Kundapur/Dubai

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    I am sorry for Fr. Bernard. He died as a martyr. Though this has been done by those who claim that they are saints let us pray to God to forgive them and give them wisdom. If they still do not change their attitude then we ask God only to take care of them rather we seek revenge. However, God is not sleeping but he takes his time to give the justice.

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  • Clive, Kuwait

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Its very sad to hear the demise of such priests who sacrifice everything in the service of the downtrodden and the poor. May God grant peace to his soul

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  • Antony T. D' Souza, Karkala, Doha-Qatar

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Death was not imposed but rather it was the will of God to die Fr.Bernard Digal as a martyr. The church is built on the blood of the martyrs. Victorious church history repeats in each of martyrs death. If there are no enemies how a victory can be claimed and how a church can be strengthened ?

    May his suffering and death cleanse Orissa from all hatred, violence and bring religious peace and harmony between all the communities. Let us thank God for His plan to build a Stronger Church in Orissa.

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  • Jaison, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Really sad news. May His soul rest in peace. We have lost a great martyr. Our God is a true God. He will definately help His people.

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  • Alan, Agra.UAE

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    This was a very sad thing. A person who was doing good to poor had to die in the hands of Bajrangdal. Hearty Condolences to Fr. Bernard's Family. May his soul " REST IN PEACE."

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  • Noel Coutinho, Belloor, Saudi Arabia

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Sad to hear this new. May his soul rest in peace. The heartfuil condolences to his family.

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  • jossy tauro, mangalore/abudhabi

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Ppray for his soul...and pray for the people who have done these things to him god forgive them ...

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  • Prakash, India/Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    My hearfelt condolences to Fr.Bernard may his soul rest in peace.At this moment I would like to send a strong message to all those who did this to our beloved Father who worked for betterment of society will regret they cant escape from God if they manage to do so from Law.

    He was a brave person to work in this part of the state for the needy people ,where violence was a timely haunt.Truely you are an Indian, Truely you are a Martyr.

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  • Walter Saldanha, mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Fr. Bernard Digal has given his life for doing good work for the poor. May his soul rest in peace. He has done his job. Let us pray to the Lord to take over the things in Orissa, as the Govt. Machinery is failing.

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  • Gladys Mudarth, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Unbelievable. If the Central Govt does not take steps to stop this violence, it will spread like wild fire to the other states. Mangalore having educated lot,the violence stopped immediately.

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  • Ahmed, Dammam

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    Really very sad story & my eyes filled early morning before i start my work.

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  • A. S. SURATHKAL, AL KHOBAR

    Wed, Oct 29 2008

    IT'S REALY SAD NEWS, MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO FR.BERNARD'S FAMILY MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

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Title: Fr Bernard Digal Dies, India Mourns another Martyr of Orissa



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