In an incident that triggered mixed reactions from the Goan populace, two engineering students from BITS Pilani Goa were found desecrating the Holy Communion during the 8 am Sunday mass at a church in Rachol. On being caught red-handed by the parishioners, the youth pleaded innocence and claimed they had no intention of disrespecting the Holy Communion or the sentiments of the Catholic community.
According to Catholic doctrine, the host is held to have been transubstantiated into the actual body of Jesus Christ during the Divine Liturgy or Mass. Its desecration is among the gravest of sins. The boys, both in their late teens, were thus immediately pulled up for the sacrilege and a hue and cry ensued. However, thanks to the prompt intervention of Parish Priest Fr Eremito Rebello, the boys were forgiven for their transgressions and no bodily harm was done.
Compare this to the spate of violent incidents that occur on a regular basis elsewhere across the country. From attacks on young couples, honour killings and moral policing, vigilantism, assaults and lynching in the name of religion (remember Mohammad Akhlaq who was dragged out of his home and killed by a mob of at least 100 in Dadri, UP over rumours that he had beef in his fridge), India does indeed have a long bloody history of communal polarisation.
Our peace-loving Goans, however, always begged to differ. And on Sunday they walked the walk. Violence is never the solution, and especially not violence in the name of God and religion.
