The recent incidents are as follows...
The rate of attacks against churches and religious institutions are increasing in Kerala. Mapranam incident is the latest among a serious of attacks. Before some months, holy Eucharist was robbed from Vellappally St. Francis church Alappuzha.
In Alappuzha district, the incidents have a concentrated face. During the past two years, there were a lot of reported attacks against churches and 'kurishadi'
Kurishadi of St. Sebastian in Convent Square, Alappuzha was attacked four times during last two years. The first attack was on 2008 December 27. During the same day 2 other churches were also attacked in Alappuzha. They are Vadassery St. Sebastians chapel under Mar sleeva forane church and Korthashery St Antonys kurishadi under Thathampally St. Michaels church.
Just after one month, Attack and robbery was reported from Kalath St. Marys chapel in Alappuzha itself. An attempt to destroy the kurishadi of Punnamada Holy Family chappel and loot was also reported.
After one month, on february 15, In kuthiyathod fathima matha church, some one cut the robe and the raised flag for the festival was destroyed. It was a serious attack, again from Alappuzha district. Later, after one week, St Joseph kurishadi under Paravur IMS retreat center was also attacked.
The attempt to loot Holy Eucharist from Alappuzha Vellappally St Francis Church is a more serious matter. Interestingly no one was arrested in these issues and the police remains silent in all cases.
And again now the holy relics have been looted from Mapranam Holy Cross shrine. The holy relics here is of so much value as it includes three relics related to the crucification of the Jesus. They are the relics of holy cross, holy blood and of the towel used to clean Jesus's face. Mapranam church was one among the very few churches in Asia to have all these 3 holy relics..
