PANJIM: The Archdiocese of Goa and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (India) have said they sincerely regret the untimely and tragic death of Fr Bismarque Dias. In a statement they have said they share in the grief of his family and those who held him dear and were close to him.
“Right from day one, the Church authorities in Goa, through the Council for Social Justice and Peace and the priests working in St Estevam, have been expressing their solidarity with his family in this painful situation. They have also been closely following the case of his death, without publicizing their efforts, to see that a proper investigation is carried out by the relevant authorities, so that the truth of the matter may be brought to light,” the statement says. It adds that the Blessed Sacrament Community at Alto Santa Cruz, has been in contact with the bereaved family.
“In the light of some confusing reports and misleading statements appearing in some sections of the media, it seems opportune to clarify that since June 2010, Fr Bismarque, of his own accord, had left the exercise of his priesthood and dedicated himself to various social causes affecting Goa,” the statement says.
It says that since Fr Bismarque was a former member of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, which has its Provincial Headquarters in Mumbai, he was under the direct jurisdiction of his Provincial Superior.
“We pray that all concerned may adhere to the truth in this unfortunate tragedy and seek eternal repose for the deceased, Fr Bismarque and Christian solace for his dear mother and members of his family in these trying moments,” it says.
