‘St Ignatius believed in free‚ quality education‚ and so do I’ – says wounded priest
“St Ignatius believed in free‚ quality education‚ and so do I. When government supports it‚ it works. And government can‚” says Father Graham Pugin‚ the Society of Jesus priest who was shot in the face by a rubber bullet at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in downtown Johannesburg on Monday.
Graham‚ who is recovering after receiving medical treatment‚ was wounded after intervening between police and protesting students from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is one of the facilitators in the mediation process between students and the university.
“The Lord hears the cry of the poor‚ and I try to‚” Graham said on Tuesday.
“I was hoping I still had some teeth. I blame the police for shooting me but as a Christian I also forgive them‚” he added.
The Society of Jesus said in a statement on Tuesday: “The shooting of Father Graham has shocked and distressed many people‚ including students. He ... remains hopeful that a solution can be achieved.”
It added that prayers‚ well wishes and offers for assistance have been received from across society including the worldwide gathering of the Jesuit General Congregation‚ meeting in Rome at present‚ as well as the Vatican Ambassador to South Africa‚ Archbishop Peter Wells.
“Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein has served as a safe and sacred space for negotiations‚ and we hope that it will continue to do so.”
The church said Father Graham has been one of the facilitators‚ along with other clergy and former student leaders‚ working towards an agreement between the students‚ management and other stakeholders at Wits.
“Unfortunately‚ the negotiation process has been stalled and we are concerned by the sense of distrust between all the role players. The high security presence and clashes between police and students have also heightened tensions‚ making negotiations‚ at this stage‚ much more difficult‚” it added.
The presidency earlier on Tuesday announced a task team with eight cabinet ministers to resolve the Fees Must Fall crisis. However‚ the church said an intervention required all sectors of society.
“We note the establishment of a national government task team on the fees crisis but believe that this alone will not deal with the problem.”
The church called for a national mediation effort to resolve the fees issue and stabilise the situation on campuses.
(With TMG Digital)
TMG Digital/Sunday Times
‘St Ignatius believed in free‚ quality education‚ and so do I’ – says wounded priest
‘St Ignatius believed in free‚ quality education‚ and so do I’ – says wounded priest
“St Ignatius believed in free‚ quality education‚ and so do I. When government supports it‚ it works. And government can‚” says Father Graham Pugin‚ the Society of Jesus priest who was shot in the face by a rubber bullet at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in downtown Johannesburg on Monday.
Graham‚ who is recovering after receiving medical treatment‚ was wounded after intervening between police and protesting students from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is one of the facilitators in the mediation process between students and the university.
“The Lord hears the cry of the poor‚ and I try to‚” Graham said on Tuesday.
“I was hoping I still had some teeth. I blame the police for shooting me but as a Christian I also forgive them‚” he added.
The Society of Jesus said in a statement on Tuesday: “The shooting of Father Graham has shocked and distressed many people‚ including students. He ... remains hopeful that a solution can be achieved.”
It added that prayers‚ well wishes and offers for assistance have been received from across society including the worldwide gathering of the Jesuit General Congregation‚ meeting in Rome at present‚ as well as the Vatican Ambassador to South Africa‚ Archbishop Peter Wells.
“Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein has served as a safe and sacred space for negotiations‚ and we hope that it will continue to do so.”
The church said Father Graham has been one of the facilitators‚ along with other clergy and former student leaders‚ working towards an agreement between the students‚ management and other stakeholders at Wits.
“Unfortunately‚ the negotiation process has been stalled and we are concerned by the sense of distrust between all the role players. The high security presence and clashes between police and students have also heightened tensions‚ making negotiations‚ at this stage‚ much more difficult‚” it added.
The presidency earlier on Tuesday announced a task team with eight cabinet ministers to resolve the Fees Must Fall crisis. However‚ the church said an intervention required all sectors of society.
“We note the establishment of a national government task team on the fees crisis but believe that this alone will not deal with the problem.”
The church called for a national mediation effort to resolve the fees issue and stabilise the situation on campuses.
(With TMG Digital)
TMG Digital/Sunday Times
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