The grand assembly of Catholics in Mangaluru region on February 2 drew more than 30,000 people from three rites who reiterated their allegiance to India and its Constitution while asserting their Christian faith.
Bishops and Catholics belonging to the Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites attended the rally that showcased the community’s unity and strength in the region. The event started with a “unity rally” from the city center to Sacred Heart Church ground, a few kilometers away where the three-day program is being held. Bishop Saldanha of the Latin rite flagged off the rally and Ronald Colaco, a Non-Resident Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist, hoisted the assembly flag prior to the formal inauguration.
Bishops and dignitaries planted saplings of sandalwood as part of the opening of the Samavesha. Bishop Saldanha pointed out that Catholics in the Mangaluru region have a 450-year-old history of living peacefully, respectfully, and not doing any harm to others as followers of Jesus Christ. He recalled that Father Jerome D’Souza, a Jesuit priest from Mangaluru, had worked with B R Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly that prepared the Indian Constitution.
“But some incidents, false allegations hurt us. Some people who have a hidden agenda are trying to divide us. However, this will not stop us from continuing our social service. We will live here respectfully. No one can separate us from our motherland and no one can divide us,” he said. Syro Malabar Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Belthangady in his keynote address said the local Catholics organized the assembly to unite, to reflect and to strengthen the community.
Syro-Malabar bishop also asserted Catholics are “cent percent” Indian citizens. “We are in the forefront when it comes to our contribution in the fields of education and health. No one can neglect this with silly allegations and reasons. There are ministers in all governments, sportspersons in all sports fields, educationalists, scientists and intellectuals who studied in Christian management institutions.”
The prelate denied the allegations from some radical groups that Catholics indulged in conversion. “We respect all religions and accept their faiths. As citizens of India and hardcore lovers of this country, we will continue our social service. No one can stop us from this,” he added.
Syro Malankara Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios of Puttur told the assembly that the assembly aimed to show Catholic unity and put their demands to government and authorities. “We are eligible for all kinds of facilities given to us by our Constitution. We are known for social service and harmony. With this Samavesha, we are announcing that we are not the people who will fall easily. Our emotions are always with our country and our faith is always with one God who brings us all together and teaches us to love. We are united with India which has a Constitution that emphasizes unity in diversity,” he added.
On the occasion, the bishops and dignitaries honored Colaco with the title “Vishwa Bhushan” and presented him a shawl, memento, and bouquet. Responding to the honor, Colaco saluted the Samavesha organizers that showed the unity and strength of Catholics of the three dioceses.
He too rejected the allegations that Christians indulged in conversion. “If we are engaged in conversion, by now 80 percent of Indians would have become Christians. But we still are only 2 percent in our country. So don’t put false allegations on us. We are the people of this nation and will remain the same,” he asserted. Rolphie D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh who presided over the inaugural event, said Christians always stood for their country and have served their country in various fields such as education, health, and social service.
D’Costa urged the government to set up a house as a care center for victims of substance abuse and rehabilitate them. “Secondly, we demand an independent Christian Development Board and 500 million rupees as initial grant along with government land for this,” he added. Daijiworld.com
