The Nespereira parish, in Guimarães, decided to suspend catechism after complaints to the National Republican Guard (GNR) and protests from parents whose children say they were victims of physical punishment during that activity. Father Francisco Xavier, who presides over the Nespereira parish's social center, also reacted to the controversy surrounding his management of the space. 

"It was decided that these activities [catechism] would be temporarily suspended. During this suspension period, we will be assessing the situation and working to find appropriate solutions", can be read in a statement from the parish sent to Notícias ao Minuto. 

It should be recalled that a physical punishment in catechism led to complaints to the National Republican Guard (GNR) and a protest at the Nespereira church, in Guimarães, this Sunday morning.  
 
According to what Notícias ao Minuto found out from a GNR source, six parents went to the Guimarães Guard post this Saturday afternoon to file a complaint after the children reported having been "victims of physical punishment in catechism that morning". The complaint was forwarded to the Guimarães DIAP. 

The news, reported by Jornal de Notícias, reports that the children were placed on their knees on their hands in catechism class on Saturday and the report inflamed tempers among the parents, who went to the church to confront Father Francisco Xavier.

Priest says he upheld decisions of the previous management

In another statement, this time about the controversies concerning the Nespereira parish's social center, the current management, presided over by Father Francisco Xavier, states that regarding the parents' complaints about the parish priest's intention to close a preschool room, he "decided to uphold the decision made by the previous management, presided over by Father Américo Ribeiro". 

"In other words, Father Américo Ribeiro decided to close the preschool room (room for 5-year-olds). However, the information was given to the parents in due time. The parish has a public preschool social response at the respective Nespereira School", it can be read. 

Regarding the dismissals, which Notícias ao Minuto has already reported to be 22, the statement says that "in fact, the Nespereira parish's social center terminated three employment contracts with three employees, which were carried out by mutual agreement".

It should be recalled that the population of Nespereira, in Guimarães, is against the current management of the parish's Social and Parish Center. Since it has been in charge of the new priest, there have been increasing complaints motivated by a climate of intimidation and fear in the Continuing Care Unit, as well as by the parish priest's intention to close a preschool room. 

In the early hours of last Saturday, May 11, several messages were placed on the public road in Nespereira, denouncing the current management of the social center, which has been in the hands of a new priest for three months.

"Out with this management, it is destroying our institution", "Against layoffs - two months - new priest = more than 20 layoffs", "Down with greed - IPSS is social solidarity", "I don't make a profit, I have no place" and also "Against the closure of kindergarten rooms", it could be read. 

Read Also: New priest motivates denunciations and dismissals at Nespereira's social center (Portuguese version)