Gilbert Lawrence writing on this topic ( April,17 ) has raised quite a number of points. However, I shall not bore my fellow Goanetters and shall rerply to his following two statements. GL writes: So I am disappointed that you should bring in caste in the efforts of the priests........Looking back with pride instead of looking back with bitternes. AM It has been said that present is the continuation of the past, If we look back only at the pleasant events only and ignore the unpalatable (at least to a section of our community ) it would amount to dishonesty on my part.After all caste was a major social problem that affected our ancestors. Everything was judged in terms of caste and I dont see any reason why I should spare the so called men of God.who were after all major beneficiaries of caste system when it came to admission in the Seminary to the detriment of others who were sometimes more meritorious.
GL As regards the church in Goa running schools pre 1961, it takes money to run a school even for a church. So I do not know how you would expectg the church in Goa to run schools. AM Let me begin with the office of the''Patriarca das Indias Orientais; The Portuguese head of the Goan Catholic Church was a powerfull spiritual authority and it has been said that at times he could overrule the political power ''O Governador Geral da India Portuguesa''. Then there was the agreement between the church and the state called Concordata. No Portuguese official ,however high, could interfere in the affairs of the Padroado/Patriarcado. The Padroado had solid financial backing of the Portuguese government and till 1961 churches received subsidies from the Government Treasury. Only after 1961 these payments ceased. (i could be wrong but during the dictatorship days it was difficult to know the truth.) Besides, a village church had dubious distinction of being the biggest landlord of the village.having obtained lands from the faithful departed in lieu of masses to be said for their souls. So to say that church was poor and could not afford to open schools especially for the socio-economic poor would amount to half truth. Means were there to improve status of the poor only the willingness was not there for reason which are not to imagine in a casteist milieu. Antonio
