Over 2000 Christians have rallied in Vijayawada on Oct. 14 as they condemned the remarks made by Paripoornananda Swamy against Mother Teresa in an interview with a Telugu channel on Sept. 28.
Swamy in an anxious mood reportedly asked why Mother Teresa chose India and no other poor Christian countries. In connection to the Mother, he also allegedly said that he has evidence of 50,000 women trafficked illegally to various countries. Swamy also asked why the Mother was conferred with Bharat Ratna.
After church leaders in India and Vatican criticized Swamy's ridiculous comments, members of United Christian Front and Christian Associations took out a massive procession from St Paul Cathedral Church, Patamata.
Led by Vijayawada Catholic Diocese Bishop Fr T Raja Rao, over 2,000 Christians, along with Church of South India Krishna-Godavari Diocese Bishop Govada Dyvasirvadam and Fr Muvvala Prasad participated.
The remarks made unnecessarily created communal unrest and fuelled inter religious hatred.
Also such remarks have put the country in bad light in the global humanitarian aid sector as it hurt the sentiments of Christians and seminarians.
Rao said had it not been Mother Teresa, the condition of untouchables would have remained the same even today.
"At least now, the Swamy should tender an open apology to the Christian community," he added, according to the New Indian Express.
