Mangalore, 23 June 2010: Having number of individuals and 23 multi-religious associations extending their support to Gregory Patrao, his fight for justice has reached 7th day today (23rd of June, 2010). Today’s fasting and protest was led by the Catholic Sabha of Mangalore Diocese under the leadership of Walter Cyril Pinto, the President and Godwin Pinto, the Secretary. Number of Christian Associations like Catholic Sabha, Citizens Forum for Mangalore Development, Vimukthi Trust, Bandavya Trust, Canara Organization for Development and Peace etc. have joined hands with Gregory Patrao in his fight for justice.
Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore gave his supportive presence in front of the DC office today and blessed the efforts of Gregory and others on the way to justice.
In his message from the protest dais, he said: ‘Jesus Christ has condemned injustice and fought for justice. We follow his example. We are not against any developments. But in the process of developments we should not give way to unlawful proceedings which would snatch away the rights of the simpler folk inflicting injustice on them. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, we assure our support to a farmer who has experienced injustice. We need progress with rights and justice.’
Fr William Menezes, the PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore and Fr Onil D’Souza the Director of Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) were present on the occasion.