Goanetters annual year-end meet is on Dec 27, 2010 (Monday) from 4-6 pm at
Institute Piedade (near Hotel Mandovi, opp Bread & More) in Panjim. Do come
along. RSVP via SMS 9822122436, f...@goa-india.org or 2409490 (after 2 pm).
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Police On Watch After Goa Church Break-In
December 25, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Members of a Catholic parish in Goa have called for police protection
after intruders entered their church at night and rummaged through the
tabernacle.
“It’s mysterious because nothing was missing,” said Father Frank Pinto,
parish priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Mormugao, a port town in the
state.
The break-in happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The priest
had emptied donation box in the church the day before.
Father Pinto said he was surprised to find the church lights on and the
side door ajar when he awoke for morning prayers.
At first he assumed that youngsters involved in crib-making until 2:30
am had left it open by mistake. However, when he sat for meditation
before the altar, he found the tabernacle open.
The priest found hosts lying on the floor under the tabernacle and the
chalice nearby. He also found items in the sacristy cupboard in disarray.
“They did not damage anything, except for a two-wheeler parked outside
that was pushed down,” the priest explained.
Police used dogs and fingerprint experts in their investigation. No
arrests have been made so far.
“The burglars may have damaged the two-wheelers out of frustration as
they were unable to decamp with cash or valuables from the church,” a
police official said.
The culprits entered the church breaking a latch on the side door.
Edward Fernandes, moderator of the parish pastoral council, that
parishioners have demanded the police intensify night patrolling in the
area.
Source: ucanews.com
