Chicalim: Social activist and a priest Fr Bolmax Pereira on Thursday expressed regret over the entire controversy surrounding his statement on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
A video of the priest attached to a Church near Vasco town had gone viral in which he was saying that Chhatrapati Shivaji cannot be considered as a God. The statement was condemned by several right wing organisations including Bajarang Dal in the state.
On Thursday late evening, Fr Bolmax issued a statement expressing his regreat at misunderstanding on the controversy and misunderstanding arising due to the mention of Chhatarapati Shivaji.
The priest said that his statement made during the sermon was taken “out of context and misinterpreted.”
He said that the purpose and intent of making a mention of the great national hero andvaliant warrior during the sermon was to tell devotees and viewers that Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was revered by people across the country and abroad, cutting across religion, caste, creed, language, etc and hence attributing him to only one religion would reduce his stature and greatness amongst people of other faith.
The priest said that he was shocked to learn that his sermon was selectively taken out of context to show only one part of the statement while the other part praising his valour and heroism where in he protected his people and his kingdom and stood against invaders, was maliciously omitted, which he said he believed was to incite anger and create enmity between communities.
Fr. Bolmax further said that, “if any individual or organisation has been hurt due to this episode and misunderstanding, I express my deepest regret and hope and pray that the long lasting bond between communities that has existed since centuries is maintained and grows stronger.
