Mogall Ixttamno, It is a long time since I've engaged in a GoaNet discussion.
Along with my parents and many other faithful in Goa I've prayed incessantly for the canonizaton of Fr. Jose Vaz. My studies at the Vatican revealed to me that the Roman Catholic process of canonization is a very complex one. It may or may not have much to do with holiness, wholeness or sanctity. There are studies to show that politics plays a big role in the making of saints. There are more Italian, Spanish and French saints in certain historical periods than from any other geographical area. Other studies throw light on the economic factors. Much money is needed to beatify or canonize an individual who either has to come from a rich family or have a religious society that can afford to pay for the costs. One of the reasons for saint making in contemorary society is to provide models of holiness. Someone once remarked, and with some truth, that if Francis Xavier lived in our day, he probably would not be a candidate for beatification and canonization. This is not to suggest that the Goencho Saib doesn't merit veneration; he was indeed a heroic personality and continues to bring people closer to God! At this stage in my life, it doesn't really matter to me personally if Joseph Vaz Naik is canonized or not. However, as a Goan, I feel that Blessed Joseph Vaz Naik, whose image is to be found in the new cathedral of Los Angeles in California, is worthy of international recogniton and veneration as suggested by Filomena Saraswati Giese in her writings. I agree with those who suggest that there are more saints than those canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. I would like to conclude with the following story. A Muslim fakir dies and is brought to St. Peter. After examining his life, St. Peter tells him to enter heaven and proceed to Room 109. He also warns him to walk softly and quietly as he passes by Room 8. Next, a Hindu sadhu comes to the Pearly Gates. St. Peter finds him an honest and a charitable man, tells him to enter heaven and proceed to Room 99. He also warns him to walk softly and quietly as he passes by Room 8. Then, a Buddhist monk is brought to St. Peter. He, too, is found heavenworthy. St. Peter tells him to enter heaven and proceed to Room 79. He also warns him to walk softly and quietly as he passes by Room 8. Finally, a Baptist minister comes to St. Peter, who tells him, too, to enter heaven and proceed to Room 59. He also warns him to walk softly and quietly as he passes by Room 8. Curious, he dares to ask St. Peter "Why Room 8?" "Oh," replies St. Peter, "that's where the Roman Catholics are, and they think that they are the only ones in heaven." Mog asoom di ani vaddom di. Ariosto Coelho www.SpiritualDirection.org ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
