A huge multitude of devotees of all faiths and pilgrims partook in the several
masses beginning from 0400 hrs today followed by the feast mass at 1030 hrs.
The Archbishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias was the main celebrant
alongwith Archbishop Patriach Filipe Neri Ferrao Archbishop Patriach Emeritus
Dr Raul Niclau Gonsalves and Bishop Aleixio Dias of Port Blair.
The kissing of the altar where in the casket of St Francis Xavier lies was a
long drawn affair almost three hours --- with the men women and children and
old--- having to move in the 8 rows before reaching the main altar but with
a roof cover to save one from the sun.
But one pilgrim from Andhra Pradesh was non plussed on seeing the devotees go
about this ritual with a reverential devotion -- after all this sacrifice
would eventually cleanse one of his or .her sins he remarked.
There were some shortcomings the drinking water tanks ran dry on some
ocassions. Replenishments were not forthcoming until the vounteers were coaxed
and cajoled to do so. There were volunteers all around but they were too tired
perhaps having started on from 0300 hrs and that was understandable.
But this writer was disgusted to witness the scene near the St Catherine
Chapel. The area was stinking of urine and defecation was seen almost
touching the precincts of this Chapel. Alfonso de Albuquerque the navigator
would have turned in his grave to see the first chapel he had built after the
conquest of Goa on 25th November, 1510. and which celebrated the 500th
anniversary on the commencement of the Novenas also the Feast of St
Catherine in this sorry state.
When this writer interacted with a female wet sweeper around the vicinity she
claimed that there were no adequate toilets to meet the exigencies of such a
huge multitude.
There were no lights around in most of these vulnerable areas during the
Novenas which commenced on 25th November, 2010 and apparently many made use of
the darkness to answer natures call.Most of them were hawkers who have crammed
up the roads, who took advantage of the dark and a fair share of devoutees too,
When quizzed further of how the ASI authorities who have a security force in
place could not prevent this she preferred this question to be addressed to the
authorities.
Noting that this writer was taking photographs and conducting a detour of the
area de novo she immediately stated that they did clear some of it -- Later
they had put calcinated lime and disinfectants around the Chapel but not before
many foreigners were dumbstruck by this dismal picture.
There is also a water body lying partly being restored with cement concrete
works but the stench of the water body speaks volumes of the neglect. As one
moves down the road leading towards the Diwar end ferry service and the
fishermen's jetty the areas in the vicinity of the Old Goa Heritage Churches
produce a similar odour.
How could the ASI authorities neglect all this. Above all the Old Goa Panchayat
has its share of blame for the scant disregard to this place of worship. The
MLA of Cumbarjua Mr Pandurang Madkaikar who has his house within the 100 meters
of the Bom Jesus (violating the ASI rules ??) Basilica should have atleast
assisted the Panchayat headed by his spouse to ensure that the non
biodegradable and degradable waste was cleared off on a daily basis. It was a
disgusting site to see mounds of waster littered all over.
True there were mobile toilets provided around the Bom Jesus Basilica but what
about the other areas ?? Even beyond the window on the North end of the KRISTU
KALA MANDIR or old Archbishops Palace the stench was unbearable. There are
security personnel staying in some of these places near the public toilets but
people used the open spaces.
Meanwhile this writer in a teletalk with Fr Leonardo Correia 0832 2284710
learnt that the ASI official did not enjoy cordial relations with the Church
authorities. Agreed that the property and churches are in the custody of the
ASI but the lackadaisical attitude and highhandedness of the authorities alone
according to him has resulted in this dismal state of affairs.
He cited another instance where the ASI authorities had objected to the
customary hoisting of the Flag on Independence day as their permission was not
sought
One conservation assistant Mr Verma 9421747752 who this writer contacted on
mobile confessed that the sanctioned strenght of watch and ward was not
adequate, despite several representations to that effect made to the ASI
authorities in New Delhi.
He also found fault with the Goa Police personnel who had tiffs with the ASI
security personnel -- he claimed that the Goa Police personnel claimed that
they were in control of the venue and therefore could permit the cars to be
parked where they desired since they had the orders of the Collector and
District Magistrate -- though they had not sought permission from the ASI
authorities.
He also blamed the devotees who had stayed over night during the novenas -- for
not maintaining decorum during their stay --- Many of them he claims misused
the premises.
He agreed that for a such an immense multitude of pilgrims the State Government
and the Central authorities should sanction more funds for public toilets or
mobile toilets. When asked why the security personnel could not check the
menance he said the strenght of watch and ward was not adequate.
On the friction between the Church authorities and the Superintending
Archaeologist Mr V Shivananda Rao over the Independence day function on 15th
August and whether there were clear guidelines demarcating the areas of
functioning of the ASI and the Church authorities he claimed to be ignorant of
the same as his job was only to do the bidding of his superiors.
The Suptdg Archaeologist was not contactable on his number 0832 2224703 or
2228478
The Chief Minister of Goa Mr Digamber Kamat the PWD Minister Mr Churchill
Alemao and other dignitaries were present for the Feast Mass so also the St
Andre MLA Mr Francisco Silveira who is believed to be hosting his annual party
at the Fishermen's jetty just about 150 metres from St Catherine Chapel late
evening which will be attended by dignitaries and several Police personnel.
They ought to pull up the ASI authorities and Old Goa Panchayat for the
dereliction of their duties. Are these places not on the World Heritage List??
from the Old Goa campus end
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[email protected]
