PANAJI
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao and a number of priests, nuns and people gathered at the Panaji Church on Wednesday evening to observe the nationwide National Justice Day, to pay respects to the human rights activist late Fr Stan Swamy S.J. and to carry forward his legacy.
Archbishop Ferrao, Jesuit Provincial Fr Roland Coelho, Superior Fr Simon Fernandes, Panaji Parish Priest Fr Walter de Sa and citizens held placards which expressed the collective need for justice and the honouring of human rights.
They entered the Church in procession to light candles and participate in the Memorial Service (Holy Mass) chosen for Peace and Justice.
In his short homily, Fr Simon Fernandes said that mute spectatorship of citizenry that does not speak up and does not act, gives impetus to injustice, marginalisation, wrongdoing and the tearing of our country's secular and democratic fabric.
He asserted amid growing inequalities, atrocities, violence, discrimination and exclusion, Fr Stan Swamy had left a message for people 'not to be a silent spectator'.
An excerpt from Fr Stan Swamy's letter from Taloja jail was shared with the congregation before the final blessing.
