MARGAO
Director of Caritas Fr Maverick Fernandes received a hostile reception at the venue of the meeting called by residents of Borda and Raia on Sunday to oppose the proposed Kabrastan at Sonsodo.
Fr Maverick had to beat a hasty retreat after the people told him bluntly that he is not invited for the meeting since he has espoused the cause of the Muslims and the kabrastan.
"Why have you come here when you have been sitting on the other side. You have come here to take feedback of our meeting. We don't
Director of Caritas Fr Maverick Fernandes received a hostile reception at the venue of the meeting called by residents of Borda and Raia on Sunday to oppose the proposed Kabrastan at Sonsodo.
Fr Maverick had to beat a hasty retreat after the people told him bluntly that he is not invited for the meeting since he has espoused the cause of the Muslims and the kabrastan.
"Why have you come here when you have been sitting on the other side. You have come here to take feedback of our meeting. We don't
want you now. Just get out of here and sit on the other side. This is the man who has been supporting the Muslims for the kabrastan," a group of people shouted at him at the entrance gate.
They point blank told Fr Maverick that he would be held responsible if migrants overtake Goa one day. "The Muslims close down Margao, they do dadagiri at Housing Board and Moti Dongor. What are you doing to stop all this," they questioned and lamented that the Priests had been supporting the Muslims for the Kabrastan at the meeting with the Chief Minister when they were expected to support their flock.
Taking note of the hostile environment, Fr Maverick and his colleague decided to leave the venue. He later told the media that he had come to find out what the issues the people have over the kabrastan.
"We have seen the hostile reaction from the people opposing the proposal. This is not anything to do with the Catholic religion, which believes in brotherhood, coexistence and love of people. "All I can say is Father forgive them. This is not the mind of the Church. This has nothing to do with religion. The Church looks for coexistence and want to coexist with others. In Saligao, there's a crematorium adjoining the cemetery and there's no problem," he said.
When pointed out that an impression is slowing gaining ground amongst the people that the Church is trying to bulldoze with the proposed kabrastan, Fr Maverick shot back "the question of bulldozing does not arise. What is rightfully due to any community should be given to them. It is their right to have their kabrastan".
When asked to outline his future course of action, Fr Maverick said "the government will have to take a decision. Our stand is that each community should have a rightful place for burial".
They point blank told Fr Maverick that he would be held responsible if migrants overtake Goa one day. "The Muslims close down Margao, they do dadagiri at Housing Board and Moti Dongor. What are you doing to stop all this," they questioned and lamented that the Priests had been supporting the Muslims for the Kabrastan at the meeting with the Chief Minister when they were expected to support their flock.
Taking note of the hostile environment, Fr Maverick and his colleague decided to leave the venue. He later told the media that he had come to find out what the issues the people have over the kabrastan.
"We have seen the hostile reaction from the people opposing the proposal. This is not anything to do with the Catholic religion, which believes in brotherhood, coexistence and love of people. "All I can say is Father forgive them. This is not the mind of the Church. This has nothing to do with religion. The Church looks for coexistence and want to coexist with others. In Saligao, there's a crematorium adjoining the cemetery and there's no problem," he said.
When pointed out that an impression is slowing gaining ground amongst the people that the Church is trying to bulldoze with the proposed kabrastan, Fr Maverick shot back "the question of bulldozing does not arise. What is rightfully due to any community should be given to them. It is their right to have their kabrastan".
When asked to outline his future course of action, Fr Maverick said "the government will have to take a decision. Our stand is that each community should have a rightful place for burial".
