By Matters India Reporter

Kolkata: Father Rodney Borneo, a popular priest of Calcutta archdiocese, on March 9 joined the Bharatiya Janata Party that heads the federal coalition government, according to a video clip circulating in social media platforms.

The video shows Father Borneo coming to a stage where he is given the BJP flag and asked to chant, “Bharat Mata ki jai” (victory to mother India).

The news of a Catholic priest joining the BJP, the political arm of the Hindu nationalists, has sent shock waves among Catholics in West Bengal. The eastern Indian state is all set to elect its legislative assembly through an eight-phased poll starting March 27.

Given below is the reflection of Father Francis Sunil Rosario, a senior priest of the archdiocese of Calcutta, on Father Borneo’s decision.

A competent priest is lost to Calcutta archdiocese

Who should be blamed for the loss of a very competent and promising priest, for whom thirty pieces of silver was more preferable, than to stick to priesthood.

Rodney trained in psychology and counseling, who was a gold medalist in 2016 from Guwahati University, was unable to cope with the pressures and some of the inconveniences created for him to function as the principal of Loyola School, Kidderpore. This is certainly not an isolated case in the ministerial priesthood. There could be others who try hard to survive despite many hardships, inaction and such administrative ‘silence’ and pressures. It could be taken as a case study to understand the issue at a deeper level and thus helping the younger clergy through supervision, counseling and guidance.

When the video clipping of his joining the BJP went viral a day after the shocking news came of his plan to join the BJP, some instant reactions were: “He was such a lovely priest. He mixed with all people and groups who attended his mass. On Women’s Day (March 8), he celebrated Mass and he spoke highly of the commitment of women in society. It’s unbelievable that he joined BJP.”

Another person from his family reacted to this decision of Rodney, “The Archdiocese has lost a good priest they are responsible for it.” Supporting the view another said, “She is right why the archbishop didn’t see to his needs or cry?”

Seeing the video clipping, a parishioner said, “The Judas of the Catholic community.” The rumors of his joining BJP spread like a wild fire in Kolkata after he gave his letter of resignation from the principal’s post. His resignation letter to the archbishop highlighted some unpleasant facts, figures and data exposing inaction on the part of administration.

They were the deep matters of concern in pastoral care. Unfortunately, the archdiocese has no forum where such controversial matters can be dealt with diligently, by all diocesan clergy. Whatever forums exist they are ‘Top-down’ model that is under control. Rodney, being a local vocation, became a victim of a structure that lacked timely response to his growing depression and indifference.

There is no machinery that can protect the interest of the local clergy. Why a local vocation should resign from the post of principal? There could be others who are in similar situation of administrative inaction. Those who are working hard not only in giving quality education but improving its revenue, should also be protected, promoted and supported at all cost.

The places of ministry are becoming the battlegrounds due to some communal forces acting heavy on those who have no support of such forces. The South and North divide in administration is exposing its ugly face all in the name of building Christ’s Kingdom. In what way is the Church different from those political parties fighting outright to capture seats of power?

On my part my message to Rodney was, “I am very sad today for you. Your resignation from School principal is understandable in the given pressure and circumstances. However to join BJP I have my own reservations. God chose you to be a priest and it’s a gift given to you. Try to understand this gift. You have a lot to give to the Church. Don’t betray Jesus who loves you so much. In any way I stand by you and promise to help. Let me know. I have been very much disturbed with your decision the past couple of days. Please withdraw your decision to join BJP. That is my humble request. With blessings and assuring you my prayers.”

To this, he replied “Dear Father, trusting and depending on your prayers.”

Francis Sunil Rosario