Hyderabad archdiocese’s reparation for desecrated Church

Archbishop Thumma Bala of Hyderabad diocese has called on the clergy, religious and the faithful to participate in the spiritual activities to make reparation for the desecration of the Church committed last week in Telangana state.  

Our Lady of Fatima Church in Keesara, Medchal district of Telangana State,  was inaugurated on May 13, on the hundredth anniversary of the Apparition of our Lady at Fatima to three shepherd children.  On May 21, about 100 people instigated by some religious fundamentalists and anti-social elements vandalized the newly built Church. 

In his appeal, Bishop Thumma Bala has urged the local Catholics to respond with prayers to the damage done.  In response to this appeal a Eucharistic worship will be held in St. Mary’s High School secunderabad on May 30, followed by Mass which will be presided over by the archbishop,  following Friday Eucharistic adoration of two hours in all the parishes of the diocese and the recitation of the Rosary the following day.    

On 9 June, all Catholics – clergy, religious and laity – are called to observe a day of fast and prayer. On the same day a group of Catholics will travel to the church hall to celebrate a ritual of purification.

Archbishop Bala in his statement has noted that Mr U. George Reddy, a Catholic  "donated 500 sq. yards and the archdiocese purchased from him about 700 sq yards (altogether 1,200 sq yards). Mr Reddy obtained a permit to build a multipurpose hall. Three months earlier, “the parish priest had applied to the Collector for permission to build a church, which is in the process” of being finalised.

In signing off the statement, the archbishop says, "I wish you all the best, the special blessings of the Risen Lord and the loving care and maternal protection of our Blessed Mother, Fatima Mata." (AsiaNews)