Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – The anti-Christian violence in Orissa has clamed its first Catholic priest. Fr. Bernard Digal, of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar, in Orissa, who was attacked on August 25 by Hindu fundamentalists, died yesterday (October 28) in the hospital after suffering serious head wounds. Fr. Mrutyunjay Digal, a priest of the same Archdiocese and secretary of the local Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, announced the news to Agenzia Fides, describing this time as “a moment of mourning, silence, and prayer for the entire local Church.”
Fr. Bernard, 45 years of age, was admitted to the hospital Chennai (in Tamil Nadu), to be treated with a delicate surgical operation on his head, however the rest of his body which was full of wounds and abrasions was unable to resist the intervention. “During his life, Fr. Bernard showed great determination and courage in bearing witness to Christ and dying for Him. He has died as a true Christian. Immediately following his attack, he forgave his enemies and persecutors. Our love and prayers go out to all their beloved friends and family, that they may receive strength and encouragement during this time of trial,” the priest informed, stating that at Fr. Bernard’s bedside was Archbishop Cheenath, who offered him some final words of encouragement and accompanied him in his passing from this life, with his prayer.
Messages of condolences and solidarity have reached Orissa from many dioceses, Bishops’ Conferences, Christian movements and associations, and various civil organizations.
As they prepare to celebrate his funeral, the local Catholic community affirms that “Fr. Bernard’s intercession from Heaven will be a source of consolation and hope for all persecuted Christians of Orissa.”
Fr. Bernard is the first Catholic priest to die in this campaign of anti-Christian violence. According to several Christian organizations in India, there have been nearly 100 deaths, thousands of wounded, and the slaughter continues, more or less in a hidden manner. Some 15,000 Christians are still living in refugee camps, and nearly 40,000 have fled into the forests and to other locations, threatened by Hindu fundamentalist groups. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2008)
