This morning was like any other morning. At the St Annes Church Binaga there was Mass at 6.30 a.m it preceded with the blessings of the candles outside the grotto of Our Lady by Fr Britto D Silva Parish Priest of the Church and the Man Friday of the Archdiocese of Goa Daman,officiating on behalf of, of the Diocese for the Our Lady of Springs Nossa Senhora de Brotas,at Anjediva. After the brief Mass Fr Britto read out his letter to the Archbishop dated 24.1.2005 where in he stated that the Station Commander Sea Bird had informed him telephonically that it would not be possible to hold the feast on 2nd February owing to some artillery firing and that all installations are in place. This was conveyed to the Archbishop of Goa immediately and they were puruing the matter with the authorities at New Delhi. There is no word yet and hence we do not know whether the gates will be open at the Sea Bird for the Mass at 1000 a.m. or 1.30 p.m
Meanwhile police officials are posted at the St Annes Church and last evening there were enquiries made by police officials to ascertain whether passes are being issued. The local daily Karavalli Munjavali has headlined a news item " if Christians are allowed in Anjediv ther will be "ashanti" apparently this message is directed to the authorities in case they allow the celebration of the Feast. Outside all the gates of the Naval base there are both policemen of the Karnataka government patrol vehicles and naval police squads on two wheelers as well. However life moves on as normal, this being a working day. There were few people who came from Goa and went back as autorickshaws were not willing to take them to the gate since there were armed personnel there. It is noted that at the check post there is a huge contingent of armed police deployed as reported by some drivers of Goa buses, however they felt that it was for seizure of liquor as normally such forces are deployed on this ocassion This writer has been trying to contact the Station Commander Sea Bird for his views but has not been available yet. Attempts are being made to contact him and the Development Commissioner by noon or afternoon. Meanwhile word has reached Canancona deanery and some people who had phoned from Goa and outside including Portugal that the gates have not been opened yet for the Feast on the Anjediv Island Following the news item last night appeal made thro the National President All India Catholic Union a reply has been flashed which is listed below: There is no representative from the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman although a national TV channel has been trying to contact the undersigned for more details, however as mobile access is weak the same has been delayed. Attempts to contact Mr Vasant Bhonsle District Sanghatakk of the Bajrang Dal have not yielded results while the MLA Karnataka Mr Gangadhar Bhat is not available on mobile 09448125833 as the Legislative Assembly session is underway >From Dr John Dayal dated 2/2/2005 dear friend I met union minister Mr. Oscar Fernandes yesterday and had a long talk with him, explaining the entire situation. Oscar told me he would take the matter up right away with state and central authorities. I have also written to the defence minister but could not meet him personally yesterday. warm regards and god bless john dayal >From Binaga Karwar GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] ________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your life partner online Go to: http://yahoo.shaadi.com/india-matrimony
