INDIA
The News Minute
Bishop of Mananthavady Archdiocese, Jose Porunnedom has apologised to the family of the survivor, who was allegedly raped and impregnated by Kottoyoor Parish vicar Fr. Robin Vadakkancheril.
In a letter written by the Bishop, appointing a new Vicar to the parish, he says that the incident has caused shame and spiritual loss to the diocese. He also said that he can understand the pain of other church representatives at Kottiyoor parish, who are struggling to come to terms with this situation and are not knowing how to react. He also urged the parish representatives like nuns, committee members and other priests to stay strong in their faith.
Addressing the victim and the family, the Bishop said what happened is unacceptable.
“Here the person who had to guard his followers himself has assaulted them. How will I console the daughter who was victimised and her parents? Dear ones I remember you in my prayers, I join my tears with yours and I understand your pain. I can only say this to you – Sorry,” the Bishop’s letter says.
He also concludes the letter by offering blessings of mother Mary to the victim’s family.
However, the reaction of other Catholic institutions like its mouthpiece Sunday Shalom and Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council’s (KCBC), to the issue has been apathetic.
In an article, Sunday Shalom even went to the extent of criticising the victim. The article quoted a social media comment and said that it was very true in the case.
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