The Archdiocese of Bombay has distanced itself from claims by a Mumbai priest that a satanic cult is circulating distorted portraits of Mother Mary in Catholic homes and institutions.
Archbishop John Rodrigues issued a statement saying the assertions made by the priest, Father Ashlyn Chand of Mahim's St Michael's Church, about a secret cult behind the images, was his personal interpretation.
In a statement, the archbishop said, "The views expressed by Father Ashlyn Chand in the video that has been circulating on social media are his personal perception and interpretation. The Magisterium of the Church has not issued any official statement that the said image has been created by occult powers or that it is satanic."
The portrait that Chand had warned churchgoers about are images of the Immaculate Heart of Mother Mary. While the traditional image shows Mary pointing the index finger of her right hand to her heart, the 'satanic' reproduction of the image shows her right fist curled into the shape of a serpent's head, the symbol of Satan. Chand had suggested that church members should bring the portraits to priests to dispose of them.
A video of Chand warning against the distorted portraits has been doing the rounds of social media and has been a source of debate. The message in the video reached places like Goa where Catholics form a large minority.
Church members had been waiting for an official statement from the archdiocese on the issue, especially since Chand is a senior member of the clergy who heads the healing and deliverance ministry. He had asserted that problems at home could stem from the presence of the distorted portrait.
Church members thanked the archbishop for the message. There has been some misunderstanding going around regarding the frame of Mother Mary after a sermon by Father Ashlyn. Please note that the church has not declared such images as created by occult or satanic cults. Do not be disturbed even if such images exist in your house, said a churchgoer.
