Churches in Goa held special prayers during the 'Holy Hour' on Friday and Sunday (May 3 and 5), urging Catholics to “vote responsibly” in the upcoming elections. The prayers, recommended by Felipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, aimed at electing candidates who will uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution, The times of India reported. Remarkably, these prayers were even mentioned at a funeral service in South Goa, highlighting the church's commitment to community involvement.
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“It is the responsibility of every citizen to be fully involved in public and social life. We pray during this Holy Hour that these elections will be conducted in a disciplined manner, and that we will be able to elect a responsible candidate. To cast our votes responsibly, we need the prayers, which when said together hold power,” TOI reported.
The South Goa Lok Sabha constituency will vote on May 7, in the third phase of the 2024 elections. The results for this constituency will be declared on June 4. This year, voters in South Goa are showing increasing enthusiasm about exercising their franchise. Leading candidates contesting the seat include Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Captain Viriato Fernandez of the Indian National Congress.
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Although no specific party or candidate was endorsed, the initiative is seen as an indirect support for Congress, a perception that observers say is shared among the clergy. The relationship between the Church and political parties has undergone shifts over the years. In 2012, the message of the clergy was anti-corruption, which subsequently favored the BJP led by late Manohar Parrikar, who promoted a positive relationship between the Church and his party, the report said.
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However, current Prime Minister Pramod Sawant noted that despite his efforts, relations are not so friendly now. “My pictures with the priests may not have been circulated, but I have met everyone. I have held meetings behind closed doors. Why should there be a fight between religion over politics and votes? I have made a request (for support)” Sawant told TOI in an interview.
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Furthermore, the Church reiterated its call for wise voting through the latest edition of its 'Renewal' bulletin. The bulletin emphasized the critical impact of every vote and the importance of focusing on the national interest rather than personal gain. “It would be anti-nation if a citizen does not cast a vote, because in the current political scenario where a simple majority is the rule to win elections, even a single vote can make a difference,” said Father Aleixo Menezes in the main article. “Democratic caution,” the report said.
The editorial further emphasized that casting a vote should be guided by constitutional values and not by short-term incentives or personal preferences. “…democratic prudence during elections is the exercise of the right to vote for our nation. The freedom to choose representatives is the backbone of a republic. This freedom must be exercised by practicing the virtue of prudence. The Constitution remains supreme and based on the principles enshrined therein, the voter casts his/her vote in a democratic and prudent manner,” the editorial concluded.
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Published: May 06, 2024 09:03 AM IST