Archbishop Peter Machado condemns controversial incident at St. Gerosa Convent School
Mangalore: Archbishop Peter Machado has issued a strong condemnation following the recent controversial incident at St. Gerosa Convent School in Mangalore. The incident, involving a Sister-Teacher accused of making derogatory remarks against the Hindu religion and national leaders, has raised concerns about the swift and forceful actions taken before the completion of a government inquiry.
Archbishop Peter Machado expressed deep sadness over the situation, highlighting the exemplary service of Christian institutions like St. Gerosa Convent School, which has been a pillar of education in Mangalore for over fifty years. He emphasized the dedication of Christian institutions to providing quality education and healthcare to people of all religions without discrimination.
The press release raises questions about the conduct of elected leaders and the role of government officials in ensuring a fair and just process. Archbishop Peter Machado called for patience and adherence to a legal and orderly investigation, expressing dismay at the hasty suspension of the Sister-Teacher without the inquiry's completion.
In the face of false allegations and humiliation against the Christian community, Archbishop Peter Machado reiterated the community's commitment to serving society, particularly the poor and marginalized. The press release emphasized the need for unity and harmony in society and urged against succumbing to mob justice.
“As regards this case, the local leaders and the mob had no patience to wait for completion of the government inquiry, and the nun was forcefully suspended, even after the Sister-in-charge of the School begged forgiveness and apology on behalf of the Sister in question, reported to be hospitalised. But the elected representative and the mob were screaming for the Sister to be brought to the fore, orchestrating even the children for the purpose,” the press statement added.
“The Political elected leaders, instead of being beacons of unity and harmony in the society, are very often seen as leaders of disunity and disharmony. Though the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has praised the Christian Community in glowing terms, especially for their contributions to the society in the fields of education and health in his speech in Delhi on Christmas Day, his partymen across the country fail to rise above petty politics and hate speeches.
“Is mobocracy going to be the rule of the day or can we still trust in a just and ordered process of justice, which can usher peace and harmony in our society. The role of the government officials is also to be examined. Is it not their duty to help the citizens and institutions in their helplessness to take immediate steps to clarify matters and support them?
Despite false allegations and humiliation against the Christian Community and its dedicated leaders, we will continue to serve the society, especially the poor and the marginalised, providing quality service and pray for their detractors, in the words of Jesus on the Cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what to do!” it further added.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
