Roman Catholics observe black day

CHANDIGARH, Sept 3: To protest the murder of Father Arul Dass and burning down of a church in Orissa8217;s Balasore Diocese, Roman Catholics of the Shimla-Chandigarh Diocese observed Black Day today. Black flags were hoisted around the Cathedral of Christ the King in Sector 19 here and a special prayer service was conducted. Describing the attack as quot;gruesomequot;, Father Thomas Anchanikal, Vicar General of Shimla-Chandigarh Diocese, said India8217;s Christian community was becoming painfully aware of the Centre and state governments8217; passive attitude toward protecting minorities8217; lives and properties.

In a statement issued to the press, Father Thomas said the Christian community was demanding that the culprits be brought to the book. A meeting of the heads of the Christians institutions was also held to protest the killing. St Xavier8217;s Sr Sec School, St Anne8217;s School, St John8217;s High School, St Joseph High School, Carmel Convent School, Sacred Heart School, J Saupins School, St Teresa School, Mount Carmel School, Baptist School were represented in the meeting who decided to extend their full support to the protest.