Mangalore: EC, DC urged to allow observance of Maundy Thursday on poll day


Mangalore: EC, DC urged to allow observance of Maundy Thursday on poll day

Media Release

Mangalore, Mar 7: On behalf of bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, a delegation consisting of Fr William Menezes, Fr J B Crasta and convener of Mangalore diocese political awareness committee M P Noronha on Friday March 7 met deputy commissioner (DC) A B Ibrahim and submitted memorandum urging that the Christian community be allowed to observe Maundy Thursday on April 17, which is the polling day for Lok Sabha elections in the state.

The memorandum, addressed to the chief election commissioner (CEC) as well as to the deputy commissioner, stated that the poll date for elections in Karnataka falls on Maundy Thursday, which is sacred to the Christian community, as Christians around the world attend the church service/Mass held in the evening after 3 pm on that day.

"Maundy Thursday which means Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday and Thursday of Mysteries, commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The Liturgy (prayer service) held on the evening of Maundy Thursday initiates the Easter Triduum, the period which commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Christi. This period includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday and ends on Easter Sunday.  The mass or service of worship is normally celebrated in DK district and other parts of the state in the evening beginning from 3 pm. Christian faithful are required to attend the mass and they have got religious obligation to attend such mass or service of worship.

"In Karnataka especially in DK district, the number of polling centers are in the schools which are in precincts of the church. Consequently those who are attending the mass or service of worship in the church should not be put to inconvenience and hence suitable arrangements are required to be made by the  election commission and the district administration to prevent any inconvenience to the persons who are attending the mass or service of worship," the release stated.
 
"Since celebration of Maundy Thursday is an integral part of Christian faith, we kindly request your goodselves, not to depute any Christian teachers or government employees to the election duty since they will be deprived of attending the masses or service of worship to be held on Maundy Thursday.  If they are posted for election duty even their fundamental right to practice the religion will be violated and the right guaranteed under Article 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution will  be violated," the bishop stated in the release.
 
"Considering all these facts we are only requesting your goodselves not to depute any Christian teachers and government employees to the election duty and also make suitable arrangement on the election day to prevent any inconvenience to the Christian faithful while attending the church located near the polling booths," the bishop urged.

After perusing the memorandum and discussing the matter, the deputy commissioner said that he would inform the matter to the chief election commissioner and also assured that he would do his best to protect the interest of the Christians. 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Dr Mohan Prabhu, LL.D., QC, mangalore, ottawa

    Sun, Mar 09 2014

    The system of advance polling accommodates everyone, be he or she a believer or not or have some religious obligations to fulfil. Many countries, including Canada, provide for this system and if it exists in India, those who do not want to vote on Maundy Thursday can take advantage of the advance polling. In that case, there is no need to tamper with the election dates.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Brahmavar/Sharjah

    Sun, Mar 09 2014

    Simple. Church can arrange special services early in the morning on Maudy Thursday for those who attending the election duty.
    Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's (mark 12:17)

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • nirmal, mangalore

    Sun, Mar 09 2014

    Everyone knows the tolerance and patience of the Christian community. That's why Govt and EC testing them. If it was the Festive day of Hindus and Muslims, they wouldn't have the guts to take the further steps. The community which gives an enormous contribution to the society tested with jealousy. However, patience of the Christian community will have the upper hand with their dedication and sacrifices, especially on the Maundy Thursday. May the Lord Almighty accept the dedication of the people.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • simon, m,lore, bahrain

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Dear Mr. john, remember the words of HOLY GOSPEL where Jesus said to Pilate ..."if the power would not given to you from the above then you don't have rights on me " same thing applies with you ..if you have not given the post of a teacher...think twice....may God give you wisdom...

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Nagoya, Japan

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    For those who keep election duty primary and Mundy Thursday secondary - "what is the use if you win the whole world and lose the soul?" Hope this sentence has a very important message.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Government work is peoples work and peoples work is God's work of getting rid of corrupt and communal politicians. Don't bring religion like VHP into politics or next other religions will also appear with their own agenda.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfy, Mangalore/UAE

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    When Goa and Jharkhand can postpone it why not Karnataka?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    God is First.
    Elections are next.
    God preservers the nation.
    Humans can destroy humans and the Nation.
    Duties can be rescheduled elections should be 15th or 16th.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen DSouza, mangalore/Sakleshpur/bangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Both the Elections and the Maundy Thursday is very important for the Christians. Why can't EC think about rescheduling the Election dates....

    DisAgree [1] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robert, Bellore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Dear William Pais,

    It is not a birthday party to do the celebration after the election. We Gulf people go to work and evening attend the celebrations. You will surprise to see the number of people attending with devotion, therefore, please do not comment like this.

    Robert

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • William Pais, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    I do not think doing election duty is any less holy than attending Maundy Thursday mass. Service to the society is itself service to the Divine. There are many other days where the divine can be worshipped. Can we think of many gulf workers who do not have Maundy Thursday, or Easter Sunday or even Christamas for that matter? I don't think they are in way less Christians because they don't attend the service. It is a silly argument to present. Why cant the ceremony itself be held after the election.

    DisAgree [73] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter pereira, Nagoya, Japan

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Mr. William, citing the example of Christians in Gulf countries and skipping Mundy Thursday service for election duty is not justified. There are thousands of people in the world starving without proper food. Do you refrain from eating due to their starvation ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • candle, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    DC Mr. Ibrahim can understand easily the request of bishop & no doubt he will do his best.Because there is no much difference in Christianity & Muslim religion.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • John D'Silva, Udupi

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    I agree with you, I am a teacher and will participate in the elections. The country is more important.

    DisAgree [57] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Chief election commissioner, Nothing is immpossible, dates can always be Reviewed...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilson Fernandes, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Yes, when Goa can do it , why not in Karnataka ?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Michael Pinto, Kinnigoli

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Election in Goa rescheduled to 12th April instead of 17th April because of same reason. Also in jharkhand (Hazaribagh). Why can't else where? Please reply.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aneesh, Manipal

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    I am worried about this, being a lecturer if i am placed as a Presiding officer there is no option to attend mass.

    And if the duty is missed there will be case booked on me.

    Therefore i request to kindly reschedule the election date or please allow the Christians who want to go church exempted from the duties.
    Thank You.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincy, Bangkok

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    This is called a peaceful approach and peaceful solution in a peaceful way.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [67] Reply Report Abuse

  • rohan lobo, dubai

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Felix or some one who say same words. Be aware that its a obligatory and being faith in christ whole week is most holy week of the year. It cannot be sacrified for anything. As requested we leave to election commision and to their wise wisdom all christian should not be put on duty and allow them to perform their relgious virtue. Its not only fundamental right it is also a humam right which cannot be ignored at any time.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • felix machado, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    I think we can sacrifice the maundy Thursday for nation.God will bless all those people on duty on that day.I t will be the greatest sacrifice

    DisAgree [78] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Silvia, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Felix, participating in the Eucharistic celebration is the most rewarding and blessed action than attending to duty for the nation. I believe in this.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Christine, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    It is a praiseworthy move by the Bishop of Mangalore to represent the matter to the concerned authorities. Rescheduling the date at this juncture may be difficult but definitely the proper arrangement for the Christian/Catholic community to participate in the worship is a must. And off course the Christian/ Catholic personnel should not be put on election duty.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • ALWYN, CANADA

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    It has to be rescheduled by the election commission. It is a very holy week for Christians. The election is secondary, but the religious practice has to be recognized and followed by the concerned authorities.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [71] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sir Lancelot, Manglore

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    April 19 comes on Saturday the suitable date for poll.

    DisAgree [29] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Michael Pinto, Kinnigoli

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    What do you think Sir Lancelot? Do you know election duty will start on 18th(Good Friday) morning if the election is held on I9th April?

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • michael pinto, kinnigoli

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    No dear sir Lancelot. If the election is on 19th, they have to attend duty from 18th morning (Good Friday. 16th April will be ok.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    April 17, is Maundy Thursday, which is sacred to the Christian community as Christians around the world attend a holy service at church which normally commences at 3pm and goes up to 6pm. It has been an unintentional error by the Election Commission of India, therefore kindly reschedule the election date.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [86] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Sudhama Ananda, Mangalore/New Jersey, USA

    Sat, Mar 08 2014

    Thank you Bishop Dr. Aloysius and officials of the Political Awareness Committee of the Mangalore Diocese for submitting a memorandum to the Govt. officials reminding them about the importance of the Holy Week. Roman Catholics, Protestants (different denominations) and Orthodox Churches in Mangalore (undivided South Kanara/Dakshina Kannada)observe the Holy Week in a special way. On the Holy Thursday in the Church of South India (Former Basel Mission in SK Dist) celebrate the Holy Communion/The Lord's Supper in the evening and the Kannada churches (and the St. Paul's Church, Mangalore) are filled with devotees who take time off to focus their attention on the Cross of Christ.
    We Christians are law abiding citizens our beloved India at the same time faithful followers of Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for the good of humanity, of all people. I hope and pray that the government will be sensitive to our request. They were, in one of the General elections held in the 70s. At the compound of my Mother Church (Vishranthi Church, Bockapatna, Mangalore)on that election Sunday police let us worship in our church while the ballot boxes were nearby at the Mission School! Service went on peacefully so did the election!
    Thanks again dear Bishop.
    May we all have a blessed and meaningful Lenten Season!

    DisAgree Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangalore: EC, DC urged to allow observance of Maundy Thursday on poll day



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