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.
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
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| The crowd begins to enter Allan Park |
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| Placards with the message |
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| The eldest rallyist! |
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| MC introduces the agenda |
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| All the prelates... |
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| Archbishop speaks |
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| Sister speaks |
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| The prelates inaugurate the flex message board... |
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| Prof. Maria Fernandes writes her message |
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| Crowd moves towards candle lighting |
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| Archbishop is interviewed |
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| Surrounded by microphones |
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| Literally crawling with camerapersons |
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| Solemnly lighting a candle |
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| Some light candles within the park |
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| Solidarity posters everywhere |
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| The Christian message |
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| Vicar General leads the hymns |
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| People are still adding to the flex... |
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| Fr. Robin leads the crowd |
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| The crowd responds with fervour |
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| ... Barry, too. |
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| Dean of Calcutta participates |
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| Last scenes as the Solidarity Rally grew to a close... |
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