AP: Church pastor murdered *MP: Easter Mahotsav celebrated with Gusto

Andhra Pradesh, April 04, 2012: A 35-year-old church pastor was brutally murdered by unidentified persons who slit his throat with a sharp-edged weapon at Jerrela village of GK Veedhi mandal in the district, in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Police said, S Dumbu alias Bingo, of Dumbriguda mandal, settled as church pastor in Jerrela a few years ago. His wife Janaki is living with him, while their sons are studying at Chintapalle village.

In the early hours of Tuesday, a masked man knocked door of Dumbu’s house and told him that Maoists were waiting for him to discuss an issue. A hesitant Dumbu left with the masked man, while Janaki stayed back home. A few minutes later, the masked man came back to Dumbu’s house and informed Janaki that the Maoists killed the pastor reportedly for his irregularities in the maintenance of church. He also tried to molest her and fled with `2,500. The police suspect the involvement of 3 locals.

– expressbuzz

MP: Easter Mahotsav celebrated with Gusto

Madhya Pradesh, April 10, 2012: The Bhopal Christian community celebrated Easter Mahotsav with various cultural programmes at Bitton Market Dasara Maidan in Bhopal. It is being organized by all Christian denominations together. Around five thousand people have participated in the programme. The programme is being organised by Bhopal Christian Utsav Samiti (BCUS), a department of Isai Mahasangh.

The programme was addressed by Babulal Gaur, Minister for Urban Development, M.P, Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, C E Fernandez, a leading Christian Industrialist, various socio-political and religious leaders too participated in the programme. 

Fr. Anand Muttungal the Coordinator of the BCUS said, “it is the celebration of the joy of the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ with whole society. We are happy that people of all religion, faith and cast can take part in the programme.”  The chief gusts in this programme included UDA minister, Babulal Gaur, The Archbishop of Bhopal, Dr. Leo Cornelio and Mr. C E Fernandez. The President of Bhopal hristian Utsav Samiti, Pastor C.P Sing said that we had organized various cultural programmes for entertainment. Stalls of different types of food will be also available.

Cultural Programme-Laughter artists Laxman Nepali, mimicry artist, Pravindra Mastan and chalta phirta orchestra artist Jagan Vidyarthi and Kailash Sony too performed. Along with this famous Christian Bhajan Gayika Sister Pushpanjli and Anusha Elizabeth presented devotional hymns. Christian orchestra, Living Stones and filmy orchestra (Viva Music) also performed various popular songs to cheer the hearts of the audience. ‘Fast Forward Troop’ presented Western and Indian dance.

Treasurer of the BCUS Roy John Thatta Said, “All the participants enjoyed various food stalls arranged for the people. Children had special arrangements of magic show, kat puthali show, folk singing etc. A special lucky draw was taken for all participants , first prize is Colour Television, second prize Electric Hot Plate, third prize DVD Player and fifty consolation prizes too were distributed to winners.”

Award Function- The chairman of Samman Samaroh Samiti, Mattew Abraham said that our jury selected and awarded Dr. Sunita Lawrence with Fr. Moore Memorial Education Award, Pastor Dr. Mattew Vergese with Archbishop Eugene D’souza Memorial Religious Achievement Award, Janab Quazi Ammanulla with Jawaharlal Nehru Secular Award and Sr. Clara Animotil with Mother Teresa Social Service Award. We selected them for their excellent service to the entire humanity.

The Members of organizing committee of BCUS, welcomed all the participants.

– fr. anand muttungal, coordinator, bcus