PANJIM: In a statement issued by the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM), they have criticized the Parish priest of Raia for his recent speech, a video which has gone viral across the State.
“It is regretted that the Parish Priest of Raia, while addressing his parishioners recently, has made some objectionable statements about a specific political party as well as individuals of that party. The concerned priest in this case has been cautioned to refrain from making such statements. We sincerely regret any pain or hurt that these statements may have caused,” said Fr Olavo Caiado, Director, DCSCM.
“Before elections to the Assembly or Parliament, the Church in Goa issues guidelines to its priests to encourage their parishioners to fulfill their duty to vote for the candidate or party that will better safeguard the interests of our State and Nation. General principles are also given on what to look for in the candidates and in their manifestoes. While doing so, priests are advised not to mention in public any names of candidates or of political parties,” he added.
DCSCM said it is a matter of regret that, nonetheless, there are a few instances when this particular advice is not followed.
