PANAJI
Expressing deep sadness over the demise of Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist Fr Stan Swamy, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is hoping that truth will come out soon and that his name would be cleared of all criminal conspiracy.
In a statement, CBCI President and Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias said the Church gives thanks to God “for Stan’s life and commitment to the poor indigenous people and their struggles.”
Cardinal Gracias said Fr Stan received the best medical attention at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, and he passed away with dignity.
Stating that Fr Stan’s arrest was very painful Cardinal Gracias said: “Under the Indian criminal law, one is innocent until proven guilty. Fr. Stan’s case did not even come up for hearing. We were eagerly waiting for the case to be taken up and the truth to come out.”
The CBCI President said Fr Stan had worked tirelessly for the underprivileged and downtrodden giving them a sense of dignity and upliftment.
“I witnessed his dedication to the exploited tribals. This work had its own challenges, but Fr Stan worked single-mindedly for the poor.”
“I do hope that the truth will come out soon and his name will he cleared of all criminal conspiracy. We pray that God rewards him for his good work,” said Cardinal Gracias.
