Udupi, Dec 26, 2012: Tension prevailed outside the Stella Maris Church at Kalmady here on December 26, Wednesday after Bhajrangdal activists staged a protest demanding immediate removal of a banner put up at the church, which they said has hurt Hindu religious sentiments. They also demanded an apology from the church authorities.
The banner shows a Brahmin holding a pot at the feet of Vailankanni as goes the story of a Brahmin boy offering a pot of milk to Vailankanni on request after he had a vision of Mother Mary.
Though initially, the Church Parish Priest Fr Alban D’Souza agreed to the demand to bring down the banner and also clarified that there was no intention of hurting any religious sentiment, the protestors were not ready to hear him. Finally, the matter was resolved after the church authorities tendered an unconditional apology.
It is learnt, the banner was put up almost over a week ago in connection with the silver jubilee of the Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine at the Church.