Alleged mismanagement, financial irregularities – Devotees protest against Chikkamagaluru bishop


Daijiworld Media Network - Chikkamagaluru (MS)

Chikkamagaluru, Mar 3: Christian devotees of Chikkamagaluru diocese held a silent protest on Wednesday March 3 urging the bishop to look into the mismanagement and atrocities that are being held in various churches of the diocese.

A letter has been addressed to Bishop T Anthony Swamy of Chikkamagaluru diocese by members of Holy Family Church pastoral committee and Christian devotees of Chikkamagaluru diocese, in this regard.

The letter says, "After you have assumed the position of Bishop, various incidents that have taken place in the diocese has pained us. The way you are conducting yourself ignoring the basic responsibilities of a bishop has caused frustration to us. We bring to your notice certain happening that have come to our knowledge through social media and other media channels.

"St Joseph's Education Society is a proud organization which gives stress on quality education in the diocese. This society has administrative committee that is formed according to the constitution. But after you assumed the position of bishop, as per the news we read in newspapers, you have created a fake organization and transferred land belonging to the society to that benami organization. It has pained us and made us not to believe you as you are the main accused in this case.

"The priest of Infant Jesus Shrine at Parvathipura under the limits of Chikkamagaluru city has misused the funds given by government for building community hall. Devotees are surprised that no action is taken against priest A Shantaraj for misusing funds that were allotted by the government to build community hall at St Joseph's main church. Fr A Shantaraj and his team collected money for two long years from devotees to build a new church estimated to cost Rs 12 crore. When there were cries that money is being misused it was mentioned in the notice board that only Rs 29 lac is collected. The church was not built. Where the money has gone?

"Fr Shantaraj created a benami association called St Mary Church association when there was already a pastoral committee that was elected as per rules and regulations. He has also transferred the land belonging to church to this benami association. Though complaint is raised against Fr Shantaraj with all the proofs, why no action is taken against him. What is your intention of shielding him as your right hand?

"We have come to know through social media and newspaper about Fr Ronal Cardoza misusing the grant that was given by Minority Welfare department of the government for the church hall building which was projected to be in dilapidated condition through Photoshop, though it was in good condition. We have also heard the statement of Fr Shantaraj saying that Fr Cardoza should not have done such a mistake. Now an FIR is filed against Fr Cardoza in ACB. What action you have taken against him?

"In yet another case grant is collected from minorities welfare department by projecting the church at Shettihalli of Hassan district as in dilapidated condition though its condition is fine. When this was questioned by a devotee, a murder attempt was made on him by Fr David Anthonappa and his accomplices. Why you have not taken any action against them?

"One more case has taken place in Dasapur, where a complaint is registered against Fr Shantaraj in ACB for misusing funds that were availed for repair of old church, development of cemetery and building of community hall. Similarly, Fr David Prakash has misused funds in the name of repair of church at Adakekere Hosur village. Your silence on these matters also has surprised us and given room for suspicion.

"In the diocese of Chikkamagaluru-Hassan countless cases of misuse of government grant and selling of church property have taken place during your reign which has brought a bad name to the diocese. In addition, this has brought a bad name to the Christian community.

"Fr George D'Souza, who was the earlier vicar general was carrying out his duties with dedication, devotion and discipline. Such a person was removed overnight and Fr A Shantaraj, who is dismissed from the primary membership of St Joseph's Education Society scam, was made as the vicar general. This has made us to lose our belief on the religion.

"Fr Agnel Fernandes, who was carrying out his duties with utmost sincerity as the secretary of St Joseph's Education Society, was removed without any reason and insulted him publicly. In addition, no one was recruited for that position for six to seven months, thereby causing inconvenience to the educational institutions. In addition, you made an attempt to bring in Fr A Shantaraj, who is accused in various cases, in place of senior priest Fr Anthony Pinto by harassing him and removing him within few months of assuming charge, though his tenure was for six years.

"One more inhuman incident that has taken place recently has proved that you are bringing bad name to the diocese. Without any valid reason, you have removed Fr Peter Brank, who is the parish priest of Holy Family Church of Vijayapura extension of Chikkamagaluru city, from the position of secretary and treasurer of St Joseph's Educational Society. The way in which Fr Brank was removed is unpardonable. Because of your behaviour of this nature, we are questioning ourselves whether we should send our children to be priests and nuns.

"Fr Peter Brank drew the attention of the whole city after he assumed the position of parish priest of Holy Family Church. He turned one area of church which was like a slum into a new locality. In addition, he has got the shrine of Mother Mary built in an attractive and beautiful manner.

"We condemn your action of treating Fr Peter Brank in a manner worse than that meted out a criminal. Your supporters took the documents of the St Joseph's Education Society by force from Fr Brank. This has greatly pained us. We request you to remove the order and reinstate Fr Peter Brank as the secretary and treasurer of St Joseph's education society.

"If you do not take legal and action according to rules of church, against those who have participated in various irregularities of various churches of the diocese, we will unite all the devotees of the diocese and hold fierce protest against you. You will be responsible for all the consequences thereafter,” stated the letter.

 

 

 

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Clody Lobo, Chikmaglur

    Mon, Sep 06 2021

    I see much comments from non bon chikmaglur residents,still time is not worst every is possible both devotees and religious clergy sit and solve the problem rather than others comment, even priest's are humans not god every thing has a solution, I wish chikmaglur diocese be United

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Anil Colaco, Koppa, Chickmanglur

    Fri, Mar 05 2021

    The alleged issue of misuse of Church funds, properties etc has been going on for the past few years. There have been protests regularly by the devotees of Chikmagalur dt. Subsequent to the protest there have been no visible signs of correction or an inquiry into the allegations made by the devotees, or any type of neutral enquiry commission constituted by the Bishop to resolve any outstanding misunderstandings or issues as alleged by the devotees. The silence of the Bishop and the Clergy is deafening which automatically gives rise and indicates a needle of suspicion towards the Bishop. However I urge the Bishop to look into these matters urgently, positively and ensure that fairness, justice, dignity and honour of the Church is restored.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Krish, India

    Thu, Mar 04 2021

    collecting fund

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben pinto, Mangalore/Australia

    Thu, Mar 04 2021

    first abuse and now this. There has to be a better way to run this faulted system.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    What's the other side of the story. Has anyone bothered to find out. Its fashionable these days to do mud slinging and tarnish reputations of individuals for personal gain. It would be good to know the other side of the story generally and more importantly in this case when clergy are involved.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHARLES SALDANHA, MALAD-MALWANI

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    IF THE ALLEGATIONS ARE CORRECT UNFORTUNATELY INCIDENT

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maria Siqueira, Shirva - Udupi

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Just a tip of the massive iceberg.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'lore

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Such high profile cases must be fast tracked. And the filth in the system, if any, must be cleansed at the earliest possible so that the sanctity of the church is maintained.

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Veer, Nagpur

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    If faithfuls feel there is some untoward activities are going on in the diocese then they should contact the higher authority of the church above the bishop if they have proof but don’t rely on social media and other media channels. They should consult their own auditor to check the financial activities and transactions by arranging a meeting with the bishop and go from there.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Noel, Hirebile

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Fully agree your comments

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Philip Dsa, Bendur

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Priests of all the faiths must focus on building faith and peace and not focusing on constructing buildings. Spiritual leaders are the one who the most looted the faithful in the name of religion. This applies to all the faiths.

    DisAgree Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakrithi, Mangalur

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    True. According 2 da bible, Jesus was born in a cow shed, a manger king of kings whi is a very poor humble person. Den y religious leaders are in need of crores of crores rs to bld religious houses in his name? Does he require such marbled houses or the hearts which r pure and holy? Sterday n day before Yesterday, i read som of d comments, the funds which r coming or collected r being used on the welfare of d ppl irrespective of castes. Dis is da way funds r spent? Ordinary poor man approaches, gets nothing. Even if he gets, gets frm the money collected frm the laity. N nt frm the funds.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Devotees are more interested in the church properties than devotion. These people have complaint against so many priests. Is it required during this uncertain time? Leave the priests to perform themselves. Children also seen protesting.

    DisAgree [26] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ozy, Surathkal

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Did you get a share

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    I wonder if the Chikkamagaluru Bishop was collecting illegal funds to build a Church ...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prabhu, Karkala

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    He may be using that for some illegal activity.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay, Hebri

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Now ask accounts,🤣🤣

    DisAgree [5] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshbhakt, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    "Bengaluru: BBMP asks historical temples, churches, mosques to submit title deeds" This should be applicable to the entire nation, not only to Bengaluru/Karnataka. Then, we will know the history of so called 'God's servants' and the reality of renouncement they make to worldly riches.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • BASIL DSOUZA, Mangalore

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    There is nothing called Konkani, Kannada, Marathi, Guajarati Christians ..... Christians are Christians ....so they might felt some issues that's why they bring on to public.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Udupi

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Do i smell a conspiracy against konkani catholic by these kananda christians ?

    DisAgree [25] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prabhu, Karkala

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    First Govt should arrest him.

    DisAgree [19] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jd, Mlr

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    There is something called fact finding. Media based enquiry not reliable. Let there be enquiry.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Roshan Udipi,there isnt any conspiracy between konkani catholics and kannada christians.Here is about money from funds and organizations .Sudden removal ,exchange of priests.I humbly ask Bishops ,please bring these things in order.When already people are showing the finger to us,and doubt,have to be very careful about money that is given by the govt.Dont misuse it for building a hall.let these people ,your diocese have a look into your accounts.Be a correct person.when the head of church makes the mistake ,mislead them and noone can have faith in you,and in religion.We outsiders cant say anything.But you know what happened and let it direct in the right position.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chandu, Karla

    Wed, Mar 03 2021

    Prabhu, Karkala Maamu, You don't worry as there are capable people in the community to look into issues and get them resolved then punish if found guilty as per law of land and church's own Canon laws. Lett us talk about issues in Karkala town encroachment foot paths, parking space, roads and drainage, polluted and encroached Anekere lake, Ramasamudra and so on....on......!!!!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Alleged mismanagement, financial irregularities – Devotees protest against Chikkamagaluru bishop



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