Colva CD Controversy etc - My Take - II It appears the whole thing (Church Letter) gives a clear message thus: ‘any attempts made to defame the shepherds be it thru songs, writing, drawing etc it will be firmly dealt with as in Colva case’ So far, being this side of Goa, found no hard evidence against the Colva Priest apart from reading various posts/ new allegations including pvt mails in the internet forums etc . (except, the priest got transferred from Cutorim for some reasons) The CD producer if found wrong or CD is defamatory should be punished as per the law. On the other hand, what it says about the priest such as allegation having a mistress, amassing wealth etc should be thoroughly Investigated by an independent body not by the church or from Colva as we already have their verdict at hand. It is wrong to say ‘all priests are bad’. Similarly, it is also wrong to say ‘all priest are good’
We all know there are some bad apples in the church basket. It’s time now to identify such rotten apples and throw them out of the basket before it affects the other good apples particularly the fresh ones. We as parishioners, can’t deny the fact that not is all well with some of our shepherds, we know it yet we choose to remain silent simply because no one said anything against them for ages or due to fear of excommunication etc Let me give you a factual example from one of my neighbouring parishes. A section of the parishioners there do not attend the church despite being the church is very near to where they live (including top or well know villagers). And why they do that? No, they did not join any religious sect, (they are still clinging on to the Catholic faith) but what they say is there are not happy with their shepherd’s unacceptable behaviour or activities such as amassing wealth, lending money, owning cars, flats, socializing with the youth including late night drinking, involving with politicians, woman company etc. For Sunday mass etc they go to the other church which is far away from their houses. If church if reading, hope it takes suo-motu cognizance of this post if it has received at least one complaint from such dissatisfied or protesting parishioners. Today, they may be just 10 unhappy parishioners, it could be 100 tomorrow. Are we waiting until such time? Who will be responsible for such division? Merely, they are our shepherds or may be they are helping us with free drinks, lending money, some favours from politicians etc etc are we going to ‘shut up’ despite knowing what goes around? Or are we waiting till another CD comes out from this part of Goa? (Readers should not take it as if I am targeting one particular parish) Elsehwere, in the forums, I have compared ‘ Church ministry with that of Digu’s Ministry which is based on ‘Samjota’ or agreements or threats?’ It seems, it consists of some disgruntled elements (or bad apples) within. Or is it because there are some who do not believe in the head of the Goa church? I will not elaborate much on this. Instead, I would quote some of my past posting with pictures or news paper cuttings. You may be rememeber some 2 years back the then spokesperson of the Church CSJP (Council for social Justice and Peace) clearly said ‘Politics and Mass can’t be mixed’ Also “Priest cannot campaign for elections as it divides the flock...” Despite the above church directives, some priests (or rather disgruntled elements) Kept on doing by disobeying the church.? The type of behaviour, is it not objectionable and condemnable? If so, what action taken so far? Anyone? Can we really blame the CD producers, if anyone takes on this? Here are some of the clippings: Politics and Mass can’t be mixed say Fr. Marverick Fernandes Executive Secretary of CSJP It says “Priest cannot campaign for elections as it divides the flock...” http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk6/513003994/sizes/l/ see the disgruntle elements within the church http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/message/2258 or http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk6/503263601/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk6/503263625/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk6/503263597/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk6/503230994/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk6/503230988/ A word about me: I have nothing against the priests. In fact, I do have some of my regulars whom I give my hard earned money only to help with the sick particularly those suffering from cancer and AIDS. I am a not only Catholic but was a catechist too. I have been there, I have seen around and now the experience speaks. As said, all I am trying to do to help identifying the bad apples from the good ones. I don’t think it is wrong to do that. I don’t make up things. The thing I said about the Macazana Priest, everything was proved to be true. Even the case was eventually thrown out as suspected. Let’s be a happy catholic family. Let’s not give chance to others to point out at our religion’s shortcomings. Only you and I can help That’s all my lord! [email protected] for Goa & NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa In Goa, Dial 1 0 8 For Hospital, Police, Fire etc The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Yahoo! Homepage. http://in.yahoo.com/
