But first we wish you a belated happy feast
of St. Francis Xavier, who is honored with the title of Goencho Sahib and the
Patron Saint of Missionaries. Contrary to what some may think, SFX is not
the Patron Saint of Goa. That title belongs to the native
son, St. Joseph Vaz (feast day - January 16), who served as a priest in Goa,
South Kanara and Ceylon. The Patron Saint of the Archdioceses of
Bombay, and Vasai is also a native son (born in the village of Agashi in
Vasai), St. Gonsalo Garcia (feast day - February 5).
The focus of this month's presentation is
an unpleasant and often overlooked topic of forced relocation of GEMs (Goans, East-Indians,
Mangaloreans) diasporas. There is much the emigre community can learn from
those experiences; and perhaps be better prepared as individuals and as a
community for such future eventualities.
We hope you enjoy
reading this aspect of GEM history. There is a lot of ‘food for thought.’
Please forward these articles to your relatives, friends, peers, Indian and
Iberian chat sites. Sharing history is sharing our cultural heritage; and the
work is for us, by us. Thank you for allowing us to share this with you.
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas
and a Happy and Successful New Year. The works of art - painting,
sculpture, writings (books) of GEMs would make excellent holiday gifts to your
family, neighbors, and friends this season; and would encourage GEM
artists in their endeavors and show your support to the
community. Please be safe!
Philomena and Gilbert
Lawrence,
Authors: Insights
into Colonial Goa,
Published via Amazon in
paperback and e-book.
