Prayers, fasting mark first anniversary of church attacks

The Adoration Convent at Milagres, one of the worst hit in the attacks witnessed hundreds of devotees throughout the day.

In fact, Mangalore Diocesean Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza had called Chrisitans to fast and pray throughout the day.

Concelebrating the holy mass in the evening at Holy Cross Church in Kulshekar, Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that though it was initially planned to hold protests on Monday, it was later decided to not to protest, instead to hold prayer meetings and fast throughout the day. 

“It is easy to retaliate but difficult to forgive especially to those who hurt us. But the Christians throughout the Diocese have proved that they are true Christians.”
In fact, the attacks on the places of worship last year have brought together the Roman Catholics, Protestant, and other Christian community.

Parishioner Sushil Noronha recalled the last year’s Black Sunday and the cases which are still going on. Advocates Ivan D’Souza and Mariamma Thomas were also present.
Bellary Bishop Rev Fr Henry D’Souza who concelebrated the mass at Holy Cross Church in Kulshekar on Monday morning recalled the Black Sunday (September 14, 2008) and called upon the people to love those who have hurt the feelings of Christians. He also elaborated on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.  

Cases

According to Mangalore Diocese PRO Rev Fr William Menezes, the police have registered cases against 145 Catholics following the tragic incidents in Mangalore and Udupi on various charges of rioting, attack on police, preventing police from discharging their duty and damage to public property. “The diocese has come forward to bear the legal expenses of these cases and help those against cases are registered,” he said.
It may be recalled that the BJP government ordered a one-man-commission headed by Justice B K Somasekhara to conduct an inquiry into the incidents of attacks and the Commission has been conducting sittings in many districts of the State including in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

DH News Service