Violence against our brothers in Orissa

ORISSA Hindu extremists attacked Christians in the State of Orissa and they burnt the Capuchin Minor Seminary, Barakhama, and its chapel to the ground. The 32 students and four staff members at the Arunodaya Ashram and the minor seminary had to flee on foot for their safety. Br. Chinnappa Payarda, OFMCap., Rector of the Minor Seminary, has reported that they have arrived safely in Baliguda, a town about 12 kilometers from the minor seminary.

These Hindu hardliners, known as the VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad) and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), attacked and destroyed at least 12 Christian churches and institutions in Orissa, especially in Khandhamal District, which is part of the Archdiocese of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar from December 24th through December 26th. They also destroyed some Christian homes. They want the Christians to be out of Orissa. They accuse them of trying to convert the Hindus in the region. These Hindu fanatics seem to be targeting mostly the buildings of missionaries, of priests and religious.

Br. Thomas Sebastian, OFMCap., Vice Provincial of Marymatha Vice Province of Andhra-Orissa, reported that the Capuchin seminarians have been sent home until they can find a place where they can continue their formation. He has been in contact with Brothers Chinnappa and Stephen Nayak, members of the seminary staff. While everyone is safe now, the crisis continues in the region. Our Indian confreres ask for our prayers.