Dungarpur, Rajasthan, 16 Dec, 2025: Disrupting a Sunday Mass, members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal entered St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bichhiwara village of Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district on Sunday, accused the parish of pressured spiritual conversions, and confronted clergy and worshippers throughout an ongoing worship service. The incident occurred through the 10:30 a.m. Mass and prompted police intervention and a subsequent criticism to district authorities.
Talking to Catholic Join, Fr. Rajesh Sarel, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, gave an in depth account of the occasions and categorically rejected all allegations of conversion or inducement.
Recounting the incident, he mentioned the disruption started whereas he was delivering his homily. “I used to be preaching when two or three policemen got here first,” he mentioned.
Quickly after, members of the RSS and Bajrang Dal entered the church premises. One of many catechists tried to cease them from getting into the church. In line with Fr. Rajesh, the group pushed the catechist apart, moved by the church, and went straight to the altar, interrupting the liturgy in progress.
Because the scenario escalated, the parish priest stepped down from the altar to have interaction with them.
“They questioned me, asking why I used to be changing tribal folks. I advised them that no conversions have been happening and that I personally am a tribal individual,” he mentioned.
Regardless of this clarification, the group continued to confront him, repeatedly questioning the actions of the parish and utilizing abusive and offensive language. In addition they insisted that such spiritual actions shouldn’t be carried on the market.
“I advised them clearly that we’d proceed our spiritual actions and that that they had no proper to cease us,” he mentioned. He famous that members of the congregation didn’t stay silent through the confrontation. “The catechist, together with different members of the congregation, additionally started to talk up. They mentioned they have been coming to the church of their very own will to attend Mass and that no conversions have been happening.”
Addressing these claims, Fr. Rajesh defined why individuals are drawn to the church. “I advised them that many individuals come even when they’re sick. Individuals come, they pray, they usually get healed. That’s the reason folks come right here—out of their very own will,” he mentioned.
After a while, the police arrived, following which the RSS and Bajrang Dal members left the church premises. “They went to the police station and continued to create a scene there,” he mentioned.
Within the aftermath of the incident, Fr. Rajesh confirmed {that a} criticism had been lodged with the Superintendent of Police. He added that they must wait and see how the scenario unfolds this Sunday.
This incident is amongst a number of related episodes reported from totally different components of India this yr, elevating questions in regards to the safety of the constitutional proper to freedom of conscience and the free occupation, observe, and propagation of faith assured below Article 25 of the Indian Structure.
By Catholic Join Reporter
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