From: "Gilbert Lawrence" <[email protected]>
------------- From Ivo:
ST.FRANCIS XAVIER: THE ITINERANT OF GOD: Born in Navarre, Spain, on April 7,
1506, Francis Xavier from April 7, 1541, when he left Lisbon for India, till
the
day of his death, December 3, 1552, travelled by sea 38,000 miles, a few
thousand by land, during 11 years:
----------- GL responds:
What a fascinating chronology of FACT-FILLED history. Thanks a million for
putting this together.
It is claimed that SFX spent a total of only 9 months (intermittently) in
"bangarachem Goem" during his 3 years in India. Can you confirm this and
expound why the many visits to Bassein?
Is there any evidence (writings) on SFX's fluency in Konkani? I am in the
process of writing an article about all the languages SFX likely learnt
during
his 11 years of missionary work in Asia. In this period of time languages
was
not a science and in most situations was not written; with its grammar
defined.
Hence learning would have been quite a challenge. Especially for this
pioneering
European / foreigner trying to master several NON-Indo-European languages in
a
very short period of time.
It is unlikely one would get this analysis and acknowledgment from the
'black
legend' authors (French, Dutch, English and even Portuguese) given the
national
animosities in the various European countries.
Regarding your comment "Francis was a bad sailor, sea travel meant suffering
in
those days" a famous French author in the 19th century wrote about SFX's
travel
across the Indian ocean as "going across Lake Geneva". Saiba, bogos! A vivid
example of ignorance or 'black legend' writings. And this Frenchman's quote
was
referenced by a more recent French author. So much for the Goan reference
freaks.:=))
So it is for khoro-niz Goenkars to truly research the "Goencho Saib". Happy
Feast to all!
Regards, GL
**Dear Dr.Gilbert,
I really admire your openness and sincerity in all fields. I know that you
are trying to contribute to 'scientific literacy' in this Goan Forum. We
need more research about several issues related to Saint Francis Xavier;
Inquisition in Goa; Revolution of Pintos; Cuncolim Rebellion; 'Operation
Vijay' (1961)... We also need to learn more about neuroscience,
consciousness and soul; genetic engineering; cloning and stem cell research;
synthetic biology; nanotechnology; quantum physics and theology; Darwinism
and God; evolution and creation; science and religion; spirituality, faith
and health.
We hope to hear you on historical issues as well as medical questions. I
hope to learn more, if God gives health and life.
Regards.
Fr.Ivo
