Papal envoy calls for brotherhood

OST Bureau

Phulbani, Nov 29:

Papal envoy Salvatore Pennacchio today called upon all to work together to ensure brotherhood and give up all ill-feelings while attending several functions in Kandhamal.

Addressing a meeting at Raikia in Kandhamal held on the occasion of 75th anniversary of establishment of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar diocese, Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nunci, or diplomatic representative of the Pope to India, said all should work together to ensure greater fraternity and brotherhood in society leaving all ill-feelings to ensure unity and peace in humankind.

The Vatican representative, after lighting the ceremonial lamp, read out the message from Pope Francis at a function organised at a restored Roman Catholic Church damaged in riots.

The church at Raikia has been restored at a cost of Rs 18 lakh. The church was damaged during riots in December, 2007, about eight months before large-scale violence rocked the communally sensitive district following the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati in August, 2008.

As many as 24 bishops and arch-bishops from across the country participated in the function.