Priests stand up for Father Paulino
Gabrielle ChongPublished: Jan 23, 2009 4:44 PM | Updated: Jan 23, 2009 7:56 PM
There was no shortage of support for Catholic priest Paulino Miranda at the Petaling Jaya magistrate's court in Petaling Jaya today.
'The people inside are our conscience. They were detained for what they believe was right and true. This is a ridiculous and silly prosecution.'
There was no shortage of support for Catholic priest Paulino Miranda at the Petaling Jaya session's court in Petaling Jaya today.
Father Paulino (second from left), parish priest of the Church of The Divine Mercy in Shah Alam, was one of 21 people arrested at an anti-ISA vigil on November 9 last year.
Parishioners from Father Paulino's church as well as other Catholic priests, some of whom had travelled from as far as Penang and Melaka, were seen outside the court today.
Father Lawrence Andrew, editor of Catholic weekly Herald, lamented that the 21 people had done no harm and had been arrested for standing up for peace, truth and justice.
"I am here to show support to the 21 people who took part in what was perceived as an illegal gathering, as well as my fellow priest who stood up to bring goodwill to the people."
Father Simon Labrooy (right) of Kurnia Kristus Church, Subang Jaya, said he was present today because he wanted to make a statement when things went wrong.
"The people inside (the court) are our conscience. They were detained for what they believe was right and true. This is a ridiculous and silly prosecution."
Fear tactics
Another priest, Father OC Lim (below) from St Francis Xavier Church, Petaling Jaya, believed that the arrests were carried out to intimidate and drive fear into people and deter them from taking part in vigils.
"Don't oppose the ISA. I think that is the essential message here," he said adding that "our church has been holding prayers and overnight vigils, not only for Father Paulino, but for the whole course of justice within our church premises.
"As for vigilers, my advice to them is to stand up, speak up, be counted and be heard, all within the law, of course."
Parishioners from Fr Paulino's church declined to comment, but remarked that he was a dedicated priest and expressed hope that he would be acquitted soon.
Father Paulino (second from left), parish priest of the Church of The Divine Mercy in Shah Alam, was one of 21 people arrested at an anti-ISA vigil on November 9 last year.Parishioners from Father Paulino's church as well as other Catholic priests, some of whom had travelled from as far as Penang and Melaka, were seen outside the court today.
Father Lawrence Andrew, editor of Catholic weekly Herald, lamented that the 21 people had done no harm and had been arrested for standing up for peace, truth and justice.
"I am here to show support to the 21 people who took part in what was perceived as an illegal gathering, as well as my fellow priest who stood up to bring goodwill to the people."
Father Simon Labrooy (right) of Kurnia Kristus Church, Subang Jaya, said he was present today because he wanted to make a statement when things went wrong."The people inside (the court) are our conscience. They were detained for what they believe was right and true. This is a ridiculous and silly prosecution."
Fear tactics
Another priest, Father OC Lim (below) from St Francis Xavier Church, Petaling Jaya, believed that the arrests were carried out to intimidate and drive fear into people and deter them from taking part in vigils.
"Don't oppose the ISA. I think that is the essential message here," he said adding that "our church has been holding prayers and overnight vigils, not only for Father Paulino, but for the whole course of justice within our church premises."As for vigilers, my advice to them is to stand up, speak up, be counted and be heard, all within the law, of course."
Parishioners from Fr Paulino's church declined to comment, but remarked that he was a dedicated priest and expressed hope that he would be acquitted soon.
View Comments0