THRISSUR: A priest of the catholic church has been arrested in Chalakudy for violating state directives on containing Covid-19 and conducting mass.
On Monday morning, Fr Paul Padayatti, the vicar of Koodappuzha Nitya Sahaya Matha Church under Irinjalakkuda diocese, conducted mass in the presence of 100 laity members.
A police team led by Chalakkdudy CI P R Bijoy arrested the priest and registered cases against around 100 laity members.
“The priest violated the state’s directives and a case was registered against the priest and around 100 laity members under IPC 188 and 260 of Kerala police act. The priest was arrested and later released on bail,” said Chalakkudy deputy SP C R Santhosh.
The Syro-Malabar Church has decided to seek explanation from the priest for violating the Church’s directives. Earlier Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) and each diocese bishop had issued directives to priests not to conduct masses in the presence of laity members.
“We have sought an explanation from Irinjalakkuda diocese over the incident. The priest’s action is not acceptable,” said Fr Antony Thalachelloor, Secretary, Syro-Malabar Media Commission.
KCBC deputy secretary Fr Varghese Vallikkat said that the Church issued strict direction to priests not to conduct mass in the presence of people. “Priests are liable to obey the Church directives. If they violate the direction they will have to face police action. We will also seek the priest’s explanation over his actions,” said Fr Vallikkatt.