Catholic Priest in remote Madhya Pradesh Village Assaulted

(December 18, 2010) Fr.Thomas Chirattavayalil of Satna Diocese posted at Odagady, a remote mission station in the diocese of Satna in Madhya Pradesh was attacked at midnight, December 16, by a group of armed men. Fr. Thomas said that someone knocked the door while he was sleeping. When he opened the door he found a group of masked men armed with weapons who assaulted him. They hit him on his head and when he ran out of the Parish House, they chased him beating him continuously. The ordered him not to shout but hearing the commotion the driver, the cook and the animator tried to come out. But the miscreants had closed their doors from outside and none of them could help him. Finally he ran to the house of Mr.Januna, the Panchayath member, about half a kilometre away and hence he was saved. The priest has sustained two deep wounds on the head, and has injuries on the shoulder and other parts of the body. However he is out of danger. The mission station was earlier famous for social work among the poor tribal people, until the last mob attack in the year 2004. Sr. Rani Maria FCC had worked in the area and had done commendable service for the uplift of the poor people in the area when she was posted at Odagady. Fr.Thomas ordained a priest 16 years ago, hails from the diocese of Palai, Kottayam district of Kerala. Bishop Anthony Chirayath of Sagar has condemned the attack and said the brutal attack on the Catholic priests and nuns, who have dedicated their lives to serve the poor in remote villages, is a shame for the state. He has called for stringent action on the culprits and to ensure the safety and protection of all those who are dedicated to the service of the poor.