From Out Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Sep 30: Goa church has appealed its clergy and parishioners to hold penance and prayer in October month so that government authorities may ensure that order is restored in the communal violence affected areas and adequate compensation is given to those who have lost their houses, institutions and places of worship for no crime of theirs.
The circular issued by Goa and Daman Archbishop Filipe Nery Ferrao states that the prayers should be held so that more stringent action is taken against all kinds of anti social and anti religious activities that violate basic human rights.
The month of October is traditionally dedicated to prayer and penance by Catholics around the world, in conformity with the desires of the Mother of Jesus, the Lady of the Rosary. It is a month during which Catholic Goans gather in their families, neighbourhoods and parishes to pray the Rosary, with greater devotion, for the various needs of the Church, of the country and of the world at large.
The circular issues importance in the wake of violant attacks on Churches in orissa and Karnataka.
"The promoters of all communal hatred and uncalled-for acts of terrorism may be enlightened to desist from their operations that only jeopardize the long-term interests and fair image of our country and be led to adopt a constructive role in the building of our great nation," the Archbishop has said.
The Church has also expressed its grief over Bihar and orissa floods which have claimed many lives.
"All these calamities and vicious attacks on human persons and property have caused a great affliction and no less shame to our beloved country and to us, its citizens," the circular adds.
"While our hearts go out to the millions of fellow-Indians whose lives have been devastated by these events, we need to mourn for our motherland, whose world image as one of the most admired democracies is being irreparably damaged by a few, but powerful, anti-social and fundamentalist outfits," the archbishop has said.