--------------- From: "Dr. U. G. Barad" 4) How Christianity got spread in Goa after Portuguese started ruling Goa?
------------ Reply from GL Those who have followed my writings, know that I have been intrigued by the above question. Recently on a visit to Miami, Florida, I met a Catholic family from Mangalore. I shared with him my understanding (from a Manglorean Catholic) that "all Manglorean Catholics originate from seven Goan Catholic families that immigrated to Mangalore." The Miamian corrected me. He had documentation (through property records and written family history) of his forefathers always being from Mangalore and when they converted to Catholicism. What intrigued me, his family was Brahmin. Hence I persisted in the question, what was the motivation for the Brahmin from Mangalore to convert to Christianity? There was no Portuguese colonial presence in Mangalore. He replied to me that "the desire to convert to Catholicism was as free-will; as those today who convert to Christianity". And we know from history, the Catholic Magloreans paid a heavy price for their religion at the hands of Tipu Sultan. So if they were borderline Catholics (spurious conversion), they could have easily re-converted and saved their lives and sufferings in Mangalore. I appreciate Dr.. Barad asking the basic questions, and Fr. Ivo taking the trouble to answer them. I am amazed by the myths and misinformation about Christianity in India and across the world. The BJP, VHP etc. have done a good job in spreading their anti-Christian messages and propaganda in India and even abroad, including USA. Hence what we see against Christians in Orrissa, Mangalore etc., is not unexpected. It is time there is more dialog using actual information. I hope Dr. Barad (and others) will use the factual information obtained from Fr. Ivo to educate and overcome the mis-perceptions about Indian Christians, that currently exists among Hindus (in India and abroad). May the peace of Christmas come to all Goanetters and Indians wherever they live. Regards, GL
