'Wretched creature' remark: Bishop forgives Pinarayi

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”(Matthew 5:44 ).

Former Bishop of Thamarassery diocese Mar Paul Chittilappilly announced through his newly released autobiography that he has forgiven CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, who had called him a ‘wretched creature’ a few years ago during a public speech.

The revelation in this regard is made in the 47th chapter of the Bishop’s autobiography ‘Kripayude Vazhikal’. “Many have asked me whether the remarks by the Communist leader hurt me. But my sincere reply is that it did not hurt me. I forgive the personal remarks. I pray for his well being”, Chittilappilly says in the book.

However, he also makes it clear that he sticks on to the stand which invited the wrath of CPM leader. Pinarayi Vijayan had made the controversial remark in connection with the funeral of Mathayi Chacko, former MLA from Thiruvambadi constituency. Pinarayi Vijayan was reportedly provoked by a speech made by Mar Chitilappally at a public meeting organised by the Thamarassery diocese in 2007 against the policies of the then LDF government, which was in power at that time.

 Addressing the meeting, Bishop Chittilappally criticised the CPM for taking over the funeral of Mathayi Chacko. During his speech Bishop Chittilapally said that Mathayi Chacko was entitled to a funeral according to the rites and beliefs of the Catholic Church as he received the sacrament ‘anointment of the sick’ while he was undergoing treatment at the hospital.

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