Vandals put threads of secular fabric under stress test

the goan I networkrMARGAOrThere seems to be no end to the spate of desecrations, with the Miraculous Cross at Carvotta being the latest target. rThe desecration of the religious structure at Loutolim in the wee hours of Thursday is not just a mere vandalism of a miraculous cross venerated by people of all faiths, but is considered a symbol of communal amity and brotherhood prevailing amongst Loutolim villagers, irrespective of caste and creed. r The cross must have been standing alongside the road since the Portuguese era, but the religious structure was renovated twice over the decade and half by the Hindu brethren as thanksgiving for their votive prayers. r If a local villager, Jose Gracias is to be believed, a goldsmith from Shiroda located on the other side of Zuari river, had renovated the cross with plastering. r“At the base of the cross is a plaque stating that it was donated by Laxmi jewellers, Loutolim way back in 2000,” he said while pointing out to the inscription. r This was followed by another round of renovation undertaken by a local villager Subhash, who had renovated the cross with tiles. r“This cross is being revered and venerated by people from both the Catholic and Hindu communities. The feast of the Holy Cross is celebrated annually on January 1 by the community. As the cross is considered miraculous by the local people, irrespective of any religious denomination, one has to wait for as long as 7-8 years for their turn to celebrate the feast,” Gracias said. r Commenting on the desecration and the repercussions it may have on the village’s social fabric, Gracias said, “Loutolim is the home to both Hindus and Catholics. Though the Catholics are in a majority, there are no differences amongst the two communities. We live in perfect harmony,” he said, adding that the desecration may be the handiwork of miscreants backed by some organization to create communal discord amongst the communities. r Another villager Albert Pinheiro said the miraculous cross was renovated by a Hindu devotee as thanksgiving for a miracle. r“Nobody had ever meddled with the cross in the past. This is the first time that the cross has been the target of vandals. This is an act by miscreants to create communal disharmony,” Albert said. r Panch member Tony Vaz told the media that the cross was renovated by a Hindu brother and is venerated by both the communities. “This is the first time that the miraculous cross is the target of vandals,” Tony said.