MAPUSA
As the electoral fervour grips Goa with the impending parliamentary polls on May 7, Catholic Church authorities in the State have taken on the mantle of guiding their flock towards conscientious voting practices.
In the midst of the ongoing novenas for the feast of Our Lady of Miracles in Mapusa, the men in cassock have seized the opportunity to address the congregation on the significance of the upcoming elections and the pivotal role of selecting the right candidates.
During Sunday’s novena mass, Fr Luis Gomes, a professor in St Xavier’s College in Mapusa, delivered a fervent homily stressing the importance of upholding democratic values and safeguarding the Constitution of the country through responsible voting.
He emphasized the significance of preserving the term ‘Secular’ in the constitution, asserting that it ensures the freedom of religious practice for all citizens, particularly safeguarding the rights of minorities.
Fr Gomes also offered a critique of certain political actions, implicitly referencing Catholic MLAs who engaged in religious rituals aimed at wooing specific voter demographics, which he suggested contradicted the tenets of the Catholic faith.
Under the theme “Polki puza bhairaum-ia” (Let’s abolish false worship), Fr Gomes urged the congregation to reject such practices, emphasizing the importance of worshipping only one God, as per the first commandment of the Catholic Church.
The novena masses have witnessed robust attendance, with faithful from neighbouring villages flocking to participate.
Two days ago, Assistant Parish Priest of Mapusa, Fr Augustin Alfonso encouraged the congregation to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming parliamentary elections and to select candidates who align with principles conducive to the common good.
Drawing attention to the plight of convent schools across the country, he highlighted the irony of political leaders who, despite having received education from these institutions, now enact policies that adversely affect them.
While refraining from naming specific individuals, the priests’ messages carried a discernible tone and the drift was very obvious.
