VASCO
A large number of people gathered for a peaceful protest march at Chicalim on Tuesday evening, to express deep solidarity with Sr Preeti Mary, Sr Vandana Francis, and three youths reportedly targeted by extremist forces in Chhattisgarh.
The silent procession, led by Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira, began at 5.30 pm from St Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim, proceeded to Ambedkar Circle and returned to the Church.
The gathering included parishioners from Chicalim and Desterro-Vasco, the Dean of Mormugao Fr Xavier Braganza, Fr Francis Pereira of the Chicalim Church, Br Charles from Christian Brothers and sisters from the Desterro Church.
Participants held placards, walked prayerfully, and sang hymns, calling for peace, justice, and unity in the face of growing religious intolerance.
Dean of Mormugao Fr Xavier Braganza stood in solidarity with Sr Preeti and Sr Vandana, and expressed deep sorrow over the injustice they faced.
He urged the Government of India to acknowledge that such incidents are not isolated, but part of a larger pattern of harassment against Christians across the country.
Emphasising that Christians are a peace-loving community rooted in love, he appealed for respect towards the elderly and adherence to the Constitution. Fr Braganza called on leaders to uphold the dignity of India and build a truly inclusive New India.
In an emotional speech, Sr Jessy James from the Desterro Church thanked the laity for standing by the religious community. She clarified that priests and nuns willingly choose this path to serve the marginalised, not to convert.
Youths from the parish also shared their concerns.
Valerie, a representative from Chicalim, made a heartfelt plea urging more young people to step forward, stressing that the future of Christianity and humanity depends on their active involvement.
Another youth, Steven, emphasised the importance of speaking out against atrocities faced by minorities and condemned the government’s attempts to create religious divisions. He urged everyone to remain united in the face of such injustice.
At the end of the peaceful solidarity march, Fr Bolmax Pereira reminded the gathering that those anointed for God’s work are never alone”heavenly armies stand by them.
He affirmed that the community, as the army of God, need not fear unjust laws like the anti-conversion law, which is being misused against minorities.
“We may be silent, but our God fights for us,” he said, urging all to continue leading with prayer, peace, and sacrifice.
He called on the faithful to stand in solidarity with all those persecuted across India and the world, assuring them that they are not alone.
The protest concluded with a spirit of unity, hope, and a firm resolve to continue standing up for justice through peace and prayer.
