BishopAccountability.org
	Furious Flock to Shun Sunday Mass By Kranti Vibhute The Mid-Day November 9, 2010 http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/nov/091110-St-Teresa-of-Child-Jesus-Church-Fr-Xavier-DSouza.htm Airoli church will see no churchgoers until priest, guilty of brutally beating up a nine-year-old, is removed Parishioners of St Teresa of Child Jesus Church, Airoli have vowed to boycott Sunday mass until action is taken against Fr Xavier D'Souza for allegedly beating up a 9-year-old student. D'Souza, a priest and also a school tutor, allegedly beat up Clayton on Friday for not doing his homework. The victim's mother discovered wound marks on his body and registered a case at Rabale police station. D'Souza was arrested but later freed by the police. No church for kids After the incident, children have refused to go to the church for the fear of getting beaten up. Most parents have also decided not to send their kids for Sunday school that is also headed by D'Souza. Santan Dennis Sequeira, joint secretary of Parish Pastoral Council, said, "Clayton's younger brother was so terrified that when we met the Bishop, he started crying and saying that his elder brother was badly beaten up by Fr Xavier. We have decided to boycott Sunday mass in the church unless this man is punished for his harsh act." Sequeira also threw new light in the case, saying, "According to Clayton's mother, D'Souza had demanded money from the family for some charity work but they refused. So he apparently took his anger out on child." Clement Fernandes, another parishioner, agreed that nobody was taking a chance by sending their kids to the church in light of this incident. "We have also decided to boycott the mass unless we get another priest. The Bishop has assured us that he will take some action but only after two weeks as the cardinal is currently out of India," he added. M S Prabhu, assistant police inspector from Rabale police station, said, "Fr D'Souza was called on Friday and questioned in front of the other party. He has been booked under relevant charges. The victim has distinct marks on his back due to his skin colour, proving the priest's guilt." The victim's mother, Aloma refused to comment on the incident. D'Souza did not respond to any phone or SMS queries.
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