Monday 16 March 2015

Solidarity Rally and Vigil

Against the culture of rape - Solidarity Rally and Vigil, Allen Park, Kolkata
#ranaghat


Standing against the culture of rape and in solidarity with Ranaghat’s “Sister Mary” over 3000 Christians and people of other faiths joined the Archdiocese of Calcutta in a Solidarity Rally and Vigil at Allen Park on Kolkata’s Park Street, March 16, 2015.

The event was scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., but over 500 people were already assembled at the venue much earlier. Neighbouring parishes came in organised processions, while those further off came individually or in small groups. Young and Old. Catholic and Protestant. Lay and religious. Christian and those with other beliefs. All were there to lend their support in solidarity… this incident has sent shock waves through the fabric of Bengal’s society. 

A short summary of the events and an appeal to the administration swiftly deliver justice, was made by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, with Bishop Ashoke Biswas of the CNI Diocese of Calcutta beside him on the podium. The Superior General of DSA who had met the victim, (in hospital recovering from surgery,) also said a few words, and shared that the Ranaghat nun had said that she forgives her attackers. 

The people were then invited write messages on the huge flex set up for the purpose, with the archbishop and bishop writing the first words. Afterwards, those who had candles stepped outside the park, following the prelates, to light them around the statue of Mother Teresa. Inside the park, hymns of solidarity were sung led by the Vicar General, Fr. Dominic Gomes. The crowd participated with fervour, holding aloft lighted candles.
At the scheduled 6 p.m., the last hymn was sung, and the Archbishop gave his blessing. The crowd was then requested to disperse in a solemn, dignified manner.

A video of parts of the Solidarity Rally and Vigil can bee seen on the Archdiocese Homepage.

 
 
Sister “Mary” – an overview
In the wee hours of Saturday, 14 March 2015, a group of men broke into the Convent of Jesus and Mary, a prominent school at Ranaghat town, close to the metropolis of Calcutta, and assaulted the sisters, raping one of them - an ailing 74 year old nun.
While the horror of this crime numbs the senses, we see this tragedy playing out so often in the country today. We take a stand. RAPE IS UNACCEPTABLE. In Delhi. In Kolkata. In Ranaghat. Anywhere.


Photos from the rally
  
 
The crowd begins to enter Allan Park


Placards with the message
The eldest rallyist!

MC introduces the agenda
All the prelates...
Archbishop speaks


Sister speaks

The prelates inaugurate the flex message board...
Prof. Maria Fernandes writes her message


Crowd moves towards candle lighting
Archbishop  is interviewed
Surrounded by microphones
Literally crawling with camerapersons
Solemnly lighting a candle
Some light candles within the park
Solidarity posters everywhere
The Christian message
Vicar General leads the hymns
People are still adding to the flex...
Fr. Robin leads the crowd
The crowd responds with fervour
... Barry, too.

Dean of Calcutta participates

Last scenes as the Solidarity Rally grew to a close...

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