Prayer in Memory of Father Stan Swamy SJ

Prayer in Memory of Father Stan Swamy SJ
Shay Cullen

India, India why have you killed your greatest son who served the poor and lifted up the wretched and oppressed.
No greater champion, a saintly servant gave his life for them and died suffering in distress.

He served the poor, the powers banded him subversive, as Jesus was, and locked him in the dark cruel cell,
He was denied his rights, medical help and lived in human hell.
At 84 this Jesuit Priest, Stan Swamy was falsely blamed and put on trial,
tagged terrorist in his elderly years weak and frail.
He suffered Parkinson’s and other illnesses from his life of poverty and denial,
A man who stood for justice and died a prisoner while the judiciary denied his bail.

Who is more corrupt, the police or prosecutor, the judges or the system that steals the wealth? It leaves poverty and great hunger, pain and misery for the poor that is sorely felt.
Let the protests grow and may his memory never fade,
until the greatest debt of gratitude with all respect and honor is duly paid.
Father Stan is the man who fought for truth and justice, he lived among the poor,
He organized them to speak their needs and from oppression rise,
Until the iron fist of Modi fell fast and hard with sudden shock and surprise.

Yet Stan lives on, his life and words are there to guide, lead us on, and set us afire,
So none of us will forget to follow his example and fight for justice and to his greatness, we aspire.

Amen