Expresses deep pain and anguish
Special Correspondent
Panaji: The Catholic Church in Goa has expressed deep pain and anguish over the hateful and malicious remarks made recently at a public function in Vasco city against St Francis Xavier.
It also demanded immediate, strong and exemplary action against those responsible for the hate speech.
“We unequivocally reject and condemn these pernicious statements made against St Francis Xavier, affectionately known as the Gõycho Saib, a saint loved and revered not only in Goa but by millions of people across the globe,” said a statement issued by Fr Barry Cardozo, Director, Diocesan Centre For Social Communications Media, Goa.
“Such divisive rhetoric, laced with falsehoods and venom, deeply hurts the sentiments of lakhs of Goans – irrespective of the religion they profess – who hold St Francis Xavier in the highest esteem,” the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman stated, adding that, “These statements have caused serious hurt to the religious sentiments of Catholics and risk disturbing the communal harmony we have long cherished.”
“We expect the civil authorities concerned to take immediate, strong and exemplary action against those responsible for this hate speech, in accordance with the laws of the land,” the statement has said, pointing out, “At the same time, we appeal to all to remain calm and exercise restraint.”
“Let us uphold the peace and unity that have defined us for so long,” it maintained, observing that “In the spirit of Jesus Christ, we stand firm in truth and choose the path of peace.”
“May St Francis Xavier intercede for us and bring healing to every troubled heart,” The statement said.
Ensure outside speakers don’t disturb communal harmony in state, says CM
Special Correspondent
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday cautioned organisers of public events to ensure that invited speakers do not make statements disturbing Goa’s communal harmony.
The statement came following the derogatory remarks made by the Uttarakhand-based speaker Gautam Khattar against St Francis Xavier at Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samiti’s Parshuram Jayanti celebrations in Vasco on Sunday.
An FIR has been registered against the right-wing activist. The controversy over the remarks intensified on Monday, with the staging of protests at multiple places and lodging of complaints at police stations.
Stating that such incidents must be prevented, Sawant said that organisers have a responsibility to brief and guide speakers, particularly those coming from outside the state.
Khattar, a YouTuber from Uttarakhand, has been booked for hurting religious sentiments following several complaints against him at various police stations.
Responding to queries about the remarks being made in the presence of Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, the Chief Minister said the Godinho should have intervened.
However, the Chief Minister noted that such situations can arise suddenly and immediate reactions may not always be possible.
Meanwhile, the Sanatan Dharm Raksha Samiti, which organised the event, distanced itself from the remarks and apologised for them.
