Franklin Coutinho AHMEDNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008: The atrocities against Christians in Orissa have shocked all persons of good will. The merciless killings and destruction of Christian churches and institutions are totally unacceptable and cannot be justified in our democratic country. To protest against these attacks, the Christians of Ahmednagar organized a District level Peace Rally on Monday, September 1, 2008.
The Peace Rally began at 10.00 am in the St. Anne’s Church compound. Rt. Rev. Kamble, CNI Bishop of Nashik said the opening prayer. Fr. William Falcao sdb and Fr. Anton D’Souza sdb, the Rally Coordinators, addressed the gathering and condemned the attacks on the innocent Christians in Orissa. Then, Prof. Franklin Coutinho briefed the participants about the route to be taken, etc.
Participating in the Peace Rally were several Bishops, Priests, Nuns, Pastors and over 4000 citizens of Ahmednagar District. The Rally began at St. Anne’s Church and passed through the Collectors Office, Nagar–Pune highway, main city, M.G. Road and the wholesale market. There was a halt in front of the Collector’s Office and speeches were delivered by Fr. William Falcao, Fr Sojwal, Adv. John Kusmode, Fr. Anton D’Souza, Mr. Johnson Shakespeare and Mr. Bhalerao. A delegation also met the District Collector and submitted a memorandum to him. The Rally concluded with a thanksgiving prayer by Pastor Padale.