Public pays homage to plane crash victims

Public pays homage to plane crash victims

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 27: A public condolence programme was organized on the grounds of Milagres Church on May 26, Wednesday, in honor of the Mangalore plane crash victims. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangalore Diocese, led the prayer service. Thousands of people had gathered to pray for the souls of the departed. 

Manohar Prasad, who conducted the condolence programme, expressed his gratitude toward the local people who formed a major part of the rescue operation. Expressing similar sentiments, Dr. Shantaram Shetty said that human beings have specialized in various fields of knowledge such as science, religion, culture, music, and others; but we must remember that we are born naked and that we die in the clothes worn at the time of death. He also thanked the bishop for organizing a condolence meeting in the church and concluded by saying that such tragic incidents must never occur again. 

Fr. Oneil D’Souza said that the incident has shown that people share a common chord of brotherhood, which makes them eager to protect one another in times of distress. Referring to the incident of May 22 as “an unforgettable day in the history of Mangalore,” he said that the incident teaches people to live in love and unity, setting aside all their differences of opinion. 

The bishop of Mangalore Diocese prayed for the souls of the plane crash victims. He informed the gathering that the pope and the papal ambassador in India have sent their condolence messages to those affected by this tragedy. 

Fr. William Menezes, the PRO of Mangalore Diocese, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Manohar Prasad and Titus Noronha. The bishop, along with Dr. Shantharam Shetty and Moidhin Bawa placed a floral wreath on the symbolic grave of the 158 victims. Leaders from various communities offered floral tributes to the departed. The Bethany nuns sang hymns as the huge crowd lit candles in honor of the victims.