Over 200 people gathered for a peaceful protest march on the evening of August 5th, expressing deep solidarity with Sr. Preeti, Sr. Vandana, and three youth reportedly targeted and unfairly prosecuted by extremist forces. The silent procession began at 5:30 PM from St. Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim, and proceeded to Chicalim Ambedkar Circle and back, led by Fr. Bolmax Pereira.
The gathering included parishioners from Chicalim and Desterro-Vasco, the Dean of Mormugao Fr. Xavier Braganza, Fr Francis X Pereira of Chicalim church, Br. Charles from Christian Brothers and the Sisters from Desterro Church—including Sr. Anita and Sr. Jessy James—who stood united in support of their fellow sisters. Participants held placards, walked prayerfully, and sang hymns, calling for peace, justice, and unity in the face of growing religious intolerance.
Youth from the parish also shared their concerns. Valerie Afonso, a representative from Chicalim, made a heartfelt plea urging more young people to step forward, stressing that the future of Christianity and humanity depends on their active involvement. Another youth, Steven Vaz, emphasized the importance of speaking out against atrocities faced by minorities and condemned the government’s attempts to create religious divisions. He urged everyone to remain united in the face of such injustice.
Parishioner Inacio Fernandes expressed gratitude to Fr. Bolmax for uniting the community for this cause. He reflected that while Christianity teaches us to turn the other cheek, even Jesus questioned his unjust persecution—reminding all that it is necessary to stand up peacefully against injustice.
Fr. Xavier Braganza, Dean of Mormugao, stood in solidarity with Sr. Preeti and Sr. Vandana, expressing deep sorrow over the injustice they faced. He urged the Government of India to acknowledge that such incidents are not isolated, but part of a larger pattern of harassment against Christians across the country. Emphasizing that Christians are a peace-loving community rooted in love, he appealed for respect toward the elderly and adherence to the Constitution. Fr. Braganza called on leaders to uphold the dignity of India and build a truly inclusive New India.
Sister Jessy James, in an emotional speech, thanked the laity for standing by the religious community. She clarified that priests and nuns willingly choose this path to serve the marginalized, not to convert. “Even if we face persecution or bloodshed, we will not turn back. We are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song,” she said, honouring Sr. Preeti and Sr. Vandana as heroines who inspire hope and courage.
In a powerful address at the end of the peaceful solidarity march , Fr. Bolmax delivered a stirring message of faith and courage, reminding the gathering that those anointed for God’s work are never alone—heavenly armies stand by them. He affirmed that the community, as the army of God, need not fear unjust laws like the anti-conversion law, which are being misused against minorities. “We may be silent, but our God fights for us,” he said, urging all to continue leading with prayer, peace, and sacrifice. He called on the faithful to stand in solidarity with all those persecuted across India and the world, assuring them that they are not alone.
The protest concluded with a spirit of unity, hope, and a firm resolve to continue standing up for justice through peace and prayer.
