Hi All, This came in my mail, thought you might want to read it? CHRISTMAS - 2009 I am Gerald Castelino, a Catholic from Mysore. In view of the recent attacks on the Catholics, I have some suggestions to make. Let us not act swiftly by protests for the atrocities, let us show we are Christians. I would like to narrate a small incident which took place during the atrocities which took place in Mangalore. I am an Advocate by profession, I was sitting beside a middle aged Hindu Advocate who asked me why are the Christians not protesting in Mysore (there was a procession arranged but had to be cancelled because the Police did not give permission - its another matter again) ? I just asked him one question, is it right what is done to Christians in Orissa and Karnataka ? He condemned the brutalities and felt very sad about the whole episode. I just told him, this is what we want, let the right thinking people know what is done is right or wrong. I further told him, Christ was prosecuted for having committed no crime, now Christians are prosecuted for having committed no crime. He was stunned ! He appreciated the services of Christians to India..... Our silence and deeds should be greater protests than the processions! Further all of us have seen the way the Crucifix being broken, either leg or hand of Christ is broken, all these churches must keep them in one place to remind the atrocities we may have to face..... Lastly, why are we celebrating Christmas this season ? Let there be no external celebration. When our brethren are killed and prosecuted, we celebrate it in grand manner ? Is it justified....If we keep our celebrations to Mass and family affair two messages would be clear... (1) We show our solidarity and our pain to the nation in turn the world (2) Stop all external celebrations - save money and send to the victims. - this affects lots - thousands who make business, think of cakes, sweets, decorations and parties out of Christmas are not Christians - it will affect them secondly we save money to help the ones who are affected.... It would be nice to do so all over India if not at least in Orissa and Karnataka. Hope rightful persons would think in these terms and send a strong peaceful message to the world. Regards Gerald Castelino
