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ShareMumbai: The simmering cauldron at the seemingly peaceful St Michael’s Church, Mahim, could soon boil over with angry parishioners coming together to oust controversial parish priest Fr Hugh Fonseca. He has been accused of corruption, being autocratic, and of mismanaging the church.
On Sunday, hundreds of parishioners shouted slogans against Fr Hugh outside the church, in the presence of Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias.
The controversy erupted in September last year, when the archbishop, reacting to several complaints against Fr Hugh, sent him two letters dated September 8 and 19, demanding an explanation. A furious Fr Hugh responded by threatening to file a defamation suit.
Fr Hugh said, “After 42 years of priesthood, I am being sent letters by the Cardinal to tarnish my image. I have consulted my lawyer. If there is a change of heart on their part, I will cancel it.”
Agnelo Braganza, parish council member, said, “When I took up some issues with him, he threatened to put me behind bars. He is using his 42 years of priesthood as a badge of honour and treating parishioners badly. He defies his superiors and doesn’t consult fellow priests.”
A priest from the church said, “He was incapacitated after an accident last year, and has not been performing his religious duties. He is an autocrat and doesn’t believe in teamwork.”
When Fr Hugh was asked about the discontent within his team, he said, “I keep people in line. The five priests in my team have brainwashed the parishioners to get me out. I am the sole trustee here who can take any decisions. I am the captain and boss here.”
Parishioners have alleged that he has mismanaged church property in Marydell and Marie Nagar, Mahim, where flats were sold for a song. “As the sole trustee of this church, all properties come under me. I can give it to anybody,” he said.
Rubbishing allegations of locking two sisters of Ashadeep Community Centre, Mahim, out of their homes, he said, “The locks were changed over a misunderstanding. The sisters continue to live there.”
Cardinal Gracias said, “After giving a peaceful hearing to all, I have to consult my team of bishops and bring peace back to the church.”
