CANACONA
Bhatpal Parish Priest Fr Freddy Lobo on Thursday said the world suffers not because of violence, but due to the silence of good people.
Fr Lobo was delivering his homily at the feast of St Francis Xavier Church, Bhatpal, on Thursday, which was also concelebrated by the assistant parish priest.
While a few parishioners were present at the feast Mass on account of Covid restrictions and protocols, people from across Canacona taluka and beyond participated in virtual celebrations which were telecast.
Speaking further Fr Lobo said, “If anyone is going on the bad path, you should stop him and help him/her to return to the path of righteousness. When the person comes back on the right path because of your intervention, both he/she and you are saved as well. If you do not warn the person doing bad things, you are equally responsible for his misdeeds.”
“We need to raise our voices when we know something is wrong. Many people suffer not because of violence by bad people, but because of the silence of good people,” said Fr Lobo.
He called upon the faithful to understand and imitate the life of St Francis Xavier who gave up worldly things to embrace God.
He also appealed to people to practice safety measures amid the Covid pandemic and care for the health of others as much as they care for themselves.
After the feast Mass, the priest carried a relic of St Francis Xavier in a procession.
On the feast day, three Masses were celebrated amid strict regulations and protocols for the limited number of parishioners physically present.
Only one member from each family in the parish was permitted to be present physically at the Mass.
For the first time, there was no traditional fair nor the customary Tiatr in the evening, but parishioners celebrated the feast by inviting close relatives and a few friends for the feast party 'Festachem Jevonn' at their respective houses.
