Kannur: How will I comfort the survivor - Bishop apologies for rape by priest

Mon, Mar 06 2017 08:38:37 AM

Daijiworld Media Network

Kannur, Mar 6: Following the arrest of Fr Robin Vadakkumcherry for allegedly raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl here, the bishop of Mananthavady has apologised to the girl and her family.

In a letter addressed to the girl as well as the people of the diocese, Mananthavady bishop Jose Porunnedom said that the incident had brought shame to the diocese. "How will I comfort the survivor, her parents and family? The lord is seeing your tears and I have also shed tears along with it. I have only one thing to tell you...and that is "sorry". The lord will help you come out of this. I am praying and keeping all this before the lord. This is something that should have never happened."

Bishop Jose Porunnedom

He also urged the members of the diocese and church representatives to remain strong in their faith. He also expressed empathy with the victim and her family and of the parish community, stating that he endured their pain and agony.

Fr Robin was removed from the post of vicar soon after he was arrested. Cases have been registered against eight other persons, including five nuns under POCSO Act for assisting in covering up the rape.

The incident came to light on February 25 when the childline received an anonymous letter, which was then brought to the notice of Kelakam police station. During investigation and questioning of the girl and her parents, it was revealed that the incident took place in May 2016. Fr Robin, on learning about the developments, went absconding, but was later traced and arrested.

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Roshan Braganza, Mumbai
Wed, Mar 08 2017
Absolve the priesthood and allow him to have family life with the girl and baby .

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Ivan, Mumbai
Tue, Mar 07 2017
Nothing is mentioned that the His Lordship, held a trial in the tribunal as per Canon Law, to judge whether he has committed the crime? Is it a trial by media.

Will wait till the media posts the DNA test results to believe what the media is saying is true!

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Zeitgeist, Mangalore
Tue, Mar 07 2017
The worst news about this story not that the priest got the girl pregnant, but the people who took part in covering it up.

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Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait
Tue, Mar 07 2017
@ Joe Gonsalves,
It's natural that mistakes do take place with most of us because we are human beings but repeating the mistakes and living in it to a extended period should not be an excuse for human weakness.
I agree to say a silent prayer but not for that priest. Rather all should pray for that innocent victim and her baby.
I am of the openion that the priest was indulged in other sexual activities with other innocent souls to an extended but hidden ways and he remained semmingly dignified person. He should face law of the land and regret his inhuman deliberate ugly acts on minors.

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joe Gonsalves, Mangalore
Tue, Mar 07 2017
I am with Bishop Jose Porunnedom in his grief and his comments and when he says he is sorry for this incident, he means it. In the bargain the unfortunate victim the little sixteen year child has suffered agony and shame.

It should have been the duty and attitude of the concerned priest to council and guide the child and not mislead and use her.

The Good Lord is forgiving and kind and may He pardon the priest and may he retrace his steps. Let us not condemn him but say a silent prayer for him

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Dr Urban D'Souza, Professor & Head, Faculty of Medicine Malaysia, Udyavar/Malaysia
Tue, Mar 07 2017
Lay people need to understand that, priests and nuns are also raised and trained to be a priest/nun from lay people's families itself. Just a training in their profession makes them so. But basically they are the human beings with all instincts. It is our lay people's fault that, pampering them too much and involving in all the worldly affairs. If they for the sake of their profession better remain in religious only activities. They need power, comfort, administrative posts, money and what not? Is it their fault or we followers? Once again I want to quote our Pope's words "Prayer places and churches need to remain poor" . But sad part is that, these people need lavish life and need to be recognized with rich wealthy as well minister people. Where our beloved church is moving.....?

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Elcent, India
Tue, Mar 07 2017
It's strange that people compare things to mangoes and baskets while some simply say Sorry and wash their hands like Pilate.

Spare a thought to the crime..... was it the priest, was there someone else ... was it mutual ... was there a cover up ... time will tell. Before this turns out it to be media circus all i can see is another girl child victimized.

Just don't understand how can we be so insensitive to rape in any shape or form! Finally we need harsher punishment for those who try to cover up these crimes!!

Shame on us Indian males who still don't know to respect the girl child and women!!

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Raj, Bangalore
Tue, Mar 07 2017
I feel the permission should be granted by the church to get marry. It is a revolutionery in the history as we r in 2017. I am sure this will avoid such incidents and also so many incidents which are not come front.

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Aubb, Kuwait
Tue, Mar 07 2017
No crocodile tears please !!

Get the victim, married to the culprit, who should also take care of the victim and her child.

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Yashwanth, Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
"Religion was invented when the first CONMAN (priest) met the first FOOL (believer)" - Mark Twain

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Zeitgeist, Mangalore
Tue, Mar 07 2017
I Agree.

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Ronald, M'lore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Stop the apology drama! Get the culprits behind the bar and throw the key!

DisAgree [8] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse
L N Rego, Bendur
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Let me be loud and clear, unless and until the church and its leaders change their prayerful life such incidents will be on rise. There are countless incidents which are hidden just for the sake of their position. Dear religious leaders instead of preaching alone start living true christian life.....

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Thomas Cutinho, Dubai/Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
When the temptation was strong the subject priest must have lost his senses and forgot his religious responsibilities. Because of this incident it is not precise to judge that all the religious brothers and sisters are same since they are also human beings and their sacrifices to the society is countless.
We see that evil spirit is restless to attack the humble souls of catholic church and we need to pay for their stability. The priest will get the punishment for his offence as per the law of land and we need to pray for the young victim since she has to face the society till death.

DisAgree [5] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah
Mon, Mar 06 2017
The worst part is that Nuns supported this Dongi Paadri..and fresh news coming from Asia net news channel that he was involved in minor sex trafficking too many times..!! He targeted poor families and with his power and influence silenced them..

DisAgree [9] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse
Pratap Rao, Bangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
There is too much cover up in the church. Instead of becoming followers of Jesus who worked for the poor by being with the poor and struggling with the poor, look at these priests and Bishops. They go round in latest cars, live luxurious lives and live a hypocritical life. They are too rich and they loot a lot of money for their own satisfaction. The roots of the crime is there. If the Church forgets Christ then there will be abuses. Why don't they follow Pope Francis full of love for the poor and compassionate.
The church or society does not need these. We need more Mother Theresas, Popes like Francis and others with a fire for the downtrodden and the oppressed

DisAgree [1] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse
Alwyn D Almeida, Mangalore/Dubai
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Gospel of John 8:7
"As they persisted with their question, he straightened up and said, 'Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw a stone at her.'"

I am a sinner, let Almighty God decide. Who am i to Judge others. Let us pray for the victim and family. Prayers can do miracles. God bless INDIA.

Church is not responsible for this incident. But we are all responsible for this. After all Priest is also a human being. God bless Fr.Robin.

DisAgree [10] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse
Fr Victor Machado, Mangalore/Tanzania
Mon, Mar 06 2017
It is true that when you put mangoes in a basket, some will be spilled. But the problem lies that in the past we have tried to cover up these offences and tried to save the religious personalities from the consequences of the crime which they have committed. This must have added to more people committing such crimes without facing the punishment. All should be equal before law, and must be made to face it without passing judgement with regard to their status. A religious personality when faced with such trial, faces great guilt and shame all to his self, family and community. Perhaps that is also part of the punishment. Jesus said "Truth will set you free". When we look at truth in a truthful way without hiding the facts, perhaps everything will fall in place.

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Real Congress, Puttur
Mon, Mar 06 2017
but now all the mangos spoiled in basket.
time to throw the basket itself.

DisAgree [20] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse
Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait
Mon, Mar 06 2017
@ Anand,

Please never mix up with Love & Lust.
Love usually lasts for ever (true love) where as, such lust destroys two hearts and human lives sometimes. A priest should be a dedicated person to spread love for humanity and not follow the path of lust. We laymen ususally fall victim to Satanic influence but still belive that prayer and fear of God can guide us on right path. (it is not that easy but still we can abstain if possible).
Something vicious had taken place and no use of regretting only punishment is the answer.

DisAgree [4] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse
Anand, Karkala
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Lust you can say is of Priest but the girl was in love right?

DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse
Khansab, Mlore/Jed
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Punishments are always there for sins if one escapes here in this world he /she will surely be accounted on the day of judgement,

What is the corrective action taken that such things dont occur in future.

DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse
george dsouza, Mumbai
Mon, Mar 06 2017
The only way to comfort the victim is to pave way for a transparent and impartial investigation and ensure the culprit gets the exemplary punishment under the IPC.

DisAgree [1] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse
Peter, KSA
Mon, Mar 06 2017
I have utmost love, affection and respect to Priests and Nuns for their sacrifices and dedicated service to human and to God. However, this rapist has brought disgrace to entire community. If he is proven guilty, he should be rendered additional punishment for cheating God and human. I am so sorry for the little victim and her family. May almighty God give them strength to overcome this sad situation.

DisAgree [1] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

Vinayak prabhu, Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
This is institutional crime. Investigation s should be done. There are many involvement. Just apology is not enough.Girl should get justice.Did anyone apologise for Goan Inquisition?Why ?

DisAgree [52] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse
Chris, Tel Aviv
Mon, Mar 06 2017
The world has moved on and this guy is still in Goan inquisition

DisAgree [12] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse
Peter, KSA
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Chris, don't waste your time in responding to such people.

DisAgree [5] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse
Shakuna, Kinnigoli
Mon, Mar 06 2017
One who does not have pain, will move forward. One who still has pain will remember it always.

DisAgree [8] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse
Sampath, Mlore/ Blore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Shakuna.... Goan Inquisistion had taken place during 16th century and now its 21st century..... Years have passed, generations have Gone. Still if you have not moved on then?.......

DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Report Abuse
Vinayak prabhu, Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Oh If world is moved on why do you oppose Tippi Jayanthi for what Tippi did to Mangalore? Is it not history too?

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John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt
Mon, Mar 06 2017
This is a crime committed by an individual not by an institution even though a handful of members in the institution tried to cover it up. It nowhere can be compared to Inquisition which I agree was committed by an institution. This heinous crime by a priest can be compared to Juhi Chowdhary of BJP involved in child trafficking and Gayathri Prajapati of SP who is still on the run for committing rape. These are individual cases for which it is inapt to blame their institution or parties.

DisAgree [7] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse
Vinayak prabhu, Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Then why you people blame BJP? Double standard

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Alan, mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Vinayak Prabhu, Why should anybody apologise for the the goan invasion, On the contrary , the portuguese should be thanked , for the goan invasion .Look what they have left behind, Intellectulal people , who have contributed to the education, health care, Goa has always been among the top developed states in India .

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Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait
Mon, Mar 06 2017
@ Anand,

The girl is only sixteen, a minor and was not aware of the consequences.
The Priest being an educated and a matured person took advantage of the minor. He cheated God and the humanity. The worse secenio was that he was still performing all the religios obligations hiding his own sins !

DisAgree [4] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

Anand, Karkala
Mon, Mar 06 2017
@ Flavian,
Love is like a Hunger that is insatiable and in that moment it is undeniable that your soul has found its mate and you are home,...

DisAgree [21] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse
Raviraj Shetty, Mangalore/UAE
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Well said, you are very much right, the priest should have informed to his superior and got out of the church activities... if he is found guilty then he should be punished severely.

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Raviraj Shetty, Mangalore/UAE
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Well said, you are very much right, the priest should have informed to his superior and got out of the church activities... if he is found guilty then he should be punished severely.

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Alwyn Crasta, Mangalore/Bangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Hope the Church in India is able to learn the right lessons from this sad and shameful incident, put it behind and make every attempt to avoid this type of aberrations at all costs, in the future.

Let the Church take all measures to imbibe and strictly practice the teachings of Lord Jesus and the instructions/advice given by His Holiness, Pope Francis, to really live the faith. Meantime, it is also incumbent on all Christians to try to implement and uphold the the highest moral standards and be ever prayerful (praying for our Priests, Religious Nuns & brothers for not falling into such temptations and getting God's grace & strength, to faithfully/diligently carry our their God-given responsibilities) and to be ever-vigilant against the repetition of such incidents, by strengthening the various Church laity organisations.

DisAgree [1] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse
Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Police have asked for DNA test to determine who is the real father.
Hang Fr Robin Vadakkumcherry & compensate the family if found guilty ...

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Ronald, Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
I am sure there are a number of priests who get their desires satisfied. This priest got only caught because he did not use any protection when doing sex. If he did use a protection then who would have know this act?. In fact he and others would have done with many young girls and woman. Who knows?.

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Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Ronald, Fr. Robin is a smart & educated priest.
If he is smart he would definitely used protection & you answered your own question.
Let us wait for the DNA results, later we will celebrate ...

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Dr Urban D'Souza, Professor & Head, Faculty of Medicine Malaysia, Udyavar/Malaysia
Mon, Mar 06 2017
A very sad though shameful incidence that had been took place. People's faith is at cross roads and the answer for humble people's belief and faith in church at risk. I recall the words of Pope Francis ' Prayer places and church need to remain poor'. At the point of modernity and developments church is unnecessarily given face-lift and attraction though it is only a place of worship and thanks giving to our Lord. When church moves towards modernization and upliftment in terms of modern world, clergy loose the sanctity as many a time opportunities are plenty. I recall a comment by some one about a possible dress-code in the church for the lay public ; it is true that a dress code matters a lot as holy people are also human beings made out of flesh and blood. Clergy and religious people if they only dedicate for religious activities it may be an additional pointer to avoid such accidents which has been occurred. Clergy better to avoid, meeting with opposite sex privately and make attempts to meet in the name of God and religion. Indeed it is a damage and people's faith and trust in Church? When glamour comes, human sensations get excited. In manger Jesus took his birth for a good cause. We need to be like Jesus or Mahatma Gandhi; we are preachers but seldom practice, Priesthood need to be a passion but not a profession!

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Arun, Mangalore
Mon, Mar 06 2017
At least Bishop is taking responsibility that is good than trying to hide the facts. The child and the mother should be adequately compensated by the diocese that is the least they can do.

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Wilson DSouza, Moodbidri
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Tough times for the Church ... Appreciate Bishop's prompt apologies ...

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Anand, Karkala
Mon, Mar 06 2017
At the outset why the victim keeping close relationship with the Vicar? She is also equally held responsible in this crime for cooperating him.

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felcy, mulki
Mon, Mar 06 2017
Mr.Anand,
Exactly.But priest who has made so many sacrifices and has no self control, then he should decide whether he is a true follower of Christ?Either he should follow religious life or come out than becoming scandal to the church.

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Rita, Germany
Tue, Mar 07 2017
@Anand karkala,she is still a minor and has to depend on someone,because she doesnt have other backing person,must be believing or promised to help her?and with a baby (even takenaway from her)?when she is 18years old ,she might get the baby.what her intentions or priest promised her we dont know.wish they stayed together,of course he has to comeout ,aliments should be payed for baby.(when DNA matches )Nohting sure of his punishment.

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Kannur: How will I comfort the survivor - Bishop apologies for rape by priest

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Comment on this article

Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

Ivan, Mumbai

Zeitgeist, Mangalore

Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

Dr Urban D'Souza, Professor & Head, Faculty of Medicine Malaysia, Udyavar/Malaysia

Elcent, India

Raj, Bangalore

Aubb, Kuwait

Yashwanth, Mangalore

Zeitgeist, Mangalore

Ronald, M'lore

L N Rego, Bendur

Thomas Cutinho, Dubai/Mangalore

Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

Pratap Rao, Bangalore

Alwyn D Almeida, Mangalore/Dubai

Fr Victor Machado, Mangalore/Tanzania

Real Congress, Puttur

Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

Anand, Karkala

Khansab, Mlore/Jed

george dsouza, Mumbai

Peter, KSA

Vinayak prabhu, Mangalore

Chris, Tel Aviv

Peter, KSA

Shakuna, Kinnigoli

Sampath, Mlore/ Blore

Vinayak prabhu, Mangalore

John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

Vinayak prabhu, Mangalore

Alan, mangalore

Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

Anand, Karkala

Raviraj Shetty, Mangalore/UAE

Raviraj Shetty, Mangalore/UAE

Alwyn Crasta, Mangalore/Bangalore

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

Ronald, Mangalore

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

Dr Urban D'Souza, Professor & Head, Faculty of Medicine Malaysia, Udyavar/Malaysia

Arun, Mangalore

Wilson DSouza, Moodbidri

Anand, Karkala

felcy, mulki

Rita, Germany

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Title: Kannur: How will I comfort the survivor - Bishop apologies for rape by priest

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