ASIA/INDIA - The incorrect study and interpretation of history has seriously injured society

Trichur (Agenzia Fides) – Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, Secretary for the Catholic Bishops’ Council of Kerala, has observed that the incorrect study and interpretation of history has seriously injured society. In the inauguration ceremony for the Seminary dedicated to the “Way of Saint Thomas,” on May 24, the Archbishop recalled that Palayur, the center of Christianity in India, was a cosmopolitan city before the arrival of the Apostle Thomas in 52 A.D. The coast of Malabar, that includes Kodungalloor and Palayur, was a center for the marketing of spices. History, the Archbishop explained, tells us that in this area, Hebrews, Buddhists, and Hindus lived in peace and without violence. Only in studying history in this manner is it possible to overcome ignorance. The incorrect study and interpretation of history is what has destroyed the peace in modern society.
The Vicar General of Trichur, Fr. Raphael Thattil, said that “we have failed in portraying historical events in an incorrect manner. Moreover, in allowing for the destruction of Churches and historic monuments, in someway we have allowed for the destruction of our own history.” It has not been the most correct decision, according to the Diocese’s Vicar, to destroy historic structures in order to make room for newer ones. The new Churches and places of worship should, in fact, be built without destroying the old ones. (PR) (Agenzia Fides 28/5/2008 righe 18, parole 224)