Eboli, the statue of Saint Anthony at “Fort Apache”: controversy erupts

The procession arrives on the Borgo advert district Eboli and the statue of Sant’Antonio enter the favored buildings of Fort Apache, one of many important drug dealing places. And it is instantly controversial. Many outraged residents talked about bowing to the boss, however there aren’t any bosses at Fort Apache. Convicts, many. Drug sellers, of all ages. However there are additionally trustworthy households. It would not appear to be there are any bosses who’re recipients of a 41bis within the Borgo. The selection to let the Saint of Padua enter Fort Apache additionally displeased some spiritual individuals and the exponents of some congregations. “It wasn’t the message to ship. It was higher to keep away from it” many declared.

Don Fernando Lupoparish priest of the church of Sant’Antonio, defends his alternative: «Some humble individuals in monetary issue have requested us to enter the general public buildings within the Borgo for a blessing from the Saint. We spent 5 minutes within the courtyard between the homes. No bowing. No boss imposed something on us. As Pope Francis says, now we have been among the many final. From individuals who do not have the cash to place meals on the desk. The Church reaches out to the marginalized. The remaining is chatter and gossip. We now have lived the Gospel. As a substitute of at all times doing the identical procession we most well-liked to cease within the in style buildings. No boss requested us. However respectable individuals in financial issue. Individuals marginalized by society». Judgments stay distant. Don Fernando Lupo defends his alternative. Residents thought of it inappropriate.