Mangalore: Condolence meet for Crash Victims held

Mangalore May 26: A Condolence meet to the families and relatives of Air Crash victims was organized in Milagres Church grounds in Mangalore on Wednesday, May 26. It was initiated by Mangalore Catholic Diocese. Prominent personalities from Hindu as well as Muslim communities took part in the meet that accentuated the unity exhibited during the time of air crash.

Addressing the gathering Manohar Prasad, Senior Reporter, Udayavani , said that the incident which claimed 158 lives, has disturbed the peace of whole world. The people who lent their hands at that hour of crisis stand as testimony to the existence of humanity which is an example for all of us. The incident has taken away something irreplaceable from the families, relatives and friends of the victims. Many relations saw their end on that day, Prasad said.

Further, he narrated many small incidents unveiling the stories of the people who made their final journey on that day that left many an eye moist.

Dr Shantaram Shetty expressing his thoughts said that Mangaloreans help people in times of need and the crash episode was a witness to that. It is our prayer that such an incident shouldn't occur anywhere in the world. No one should face such a pain again, he said praying that the families are able to cope up with the loss that they have suffered.

Fr O'Neil D'Souza, CODP Director, said the families are in need of support and it is our responsibility to console and give sympathies to them. We must pray that for the peace of the souls of those who have died. The mass gathering here says we are with you. We should reinforce confidence in the families so they can live their life once again, he said.

Speaking on the occasion Muhammad Kunhi said that death is a bitter truth that nobody likes. We try to postpone death as much as possible, but no matter how hard we try, death is sure to come. Our death has been decided. Nothing is a co-incidence. Such incidents make it hard for us to believe that it is the truth. We have to believe in God and He knows what has to be done. The unity, patience, and kindheartedness shown by the people should be recorded in history which will guide us in many ways. All our words cannot help the families in any way. This incident has shown us what life is. We have to learn a lot from this. Death treats all equally. This has brought people together. Let us show the way to a better social living. We should do whatever we can but the strength to the families can only be given by God, he said.

Rev Fr Aloysius Paul D' Souza, Bishop Mangalore Diocese prayed for the eternal peace of the souls and expressed his sympathies to the families. When a child is born it cries and all people smile. But this incident has made the entire Mangalore cry. It has filled the lives of the families of the victims with darkness. The bodies may be no more but their memories will forever remain with us. There are many saddening stories of the irreplaceable loss. The pain is inexplicable. He read out the condolence note from the Pope and mentioned the names of many who had sent their condolences on this tragic incident.

The Bethany sisters prayed for the Souls and strength for the families. They also sang a hymn Nammanindu Santhaisalu, Munnadesalu, Nanna Deva Endendu Jotegiru…..on the occasion.

Fr Valerian Menezes said that the families, relatives and friends have lost their dear ones, but life must go on and the journey shouldn't stop.

Congress leaders Moideen Bava, and Ivan D'Souza, Dr Shantaram Shetty and Fr Aloysius Paul D'Souza offered garlands toan symbolic grave as a tribute to the 158 people who died in the mishap.

Before the condolence programme Bishop with other priests offered a mass to the Dead people and Strength to the families.