Image of Father Stan Swamy, SJ, courtesy of Matters India
By LiCAS.news
Jul 22 2021
The Catholic Church in Bangladesh honored the late Indian Jesuit priest, Stanislaus Lourduswamy, known as Stan Swamy, calling him a “gentle giant who walked miles” with indigenous peoples for 60 years.
“Father Stan Swamy was attentive to the needs of the poor communities, filled with courage and determination,” read a statement signed by Bishop Gervas Rozario, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the country’s bishops’ conference.
The prelate said the late Indian Jesuit “dedicated his life as a priest and human rights defender to the preferential option for the poor …. embodied the strong prophetic mission of the Church in India, as well as in global community.”
“Father Stan Swamy is a martyr, and a saintly example for us. He fought and died for justice and human rights for the least, last and lost brothers and sisters in our Common Home,” read the statement.
“We, the Catholic Church of Bangladesh, are deeply saddened by the death in custody of Father Stan Swamy,” read the statement from the Bangladesh Church’s Justice and Peace body.
“We continue to stand in solidarity with Father Stan Swamy and we call for full accountability for his death while we demand justice,” it added. “His example, good works, spirit, courage and kindness will not be forgotten and will continue to inspire.”
Father Swamy died on July 5 in a hospital in India. He was 84.
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