Moira is blessed to have a son of the village, Can. Atanasio Lobo, (Cousin to Florian Lobo) who at his advanced age is sprightly as ever. He prefers to walk/ bus to the various chapels and novitiates or houses of formation where he offers daily mass. His sermons are short but cover the subject adequately like a good lady's skirt. It must be mentioned here that Can. Atanasio Lobo also makes the daily trip to Old Goa, come rain or shine to participate in the Canons Office which is said at the Se Cathedral.
I am rather proud that he is the Chaplain of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, (Calizor Moira) which serves the vaddos of Attafondem, Calizor and Raint. Canon Atanasio lives at home in Moira and is as upright and holy a priest as is difficult to find nowadays. He lives a simple life and is unmoved by monetary and worldly considerations. May his tribe increase. Tony de Sa (In response to Nelson Lopes Article on the above subject) <<<<Significance of Canon in Church. It is an Honourofic title bestowed on select priests after retirement at the age of 75 This age limit in some places is not rigid ,because the canons can exercise their mental faculty more effectively.The "Audito Capitulo' or the cathedral Chapter makes this choice of conferring the title with special consideration of intellectual capacity,aptitude and other required abilities The other prevalent title is that of Monsinor, which in Goa has been discarded from 1972, as it creates a separate class between priests They were three types like Camareiro secreto, Prelado domestico etc to serve the special needs of the Pope and is still in force. The Bishops, similarly could also exercise this privilege of appointments, at their discretion. Mumbai Diocese has also abandoned this practice lately. There is an honest rethink in many Dioceses to continue the title of Monsinor . There is a separate institute of Canons at old Goa attached to St Asis Church, where they reside in community, though they are free to shift their residence depending upon the the circumstances and the cause they pursue. The original Cathedral Chapter/ Canons and consisted of 12 Canons,5 Dignidades ,half Canons,Quarteros,and capelaoes cantores All these classifications are now a history.Presently there are 8 Canons conferred with this title In the past their duties related to1-Praying for the successful pastoral work in the Archdiocese 2-Advisory body to the Bishop in financial ,spiritual and administrative matters referred to them3- The Canons maintained the services at See Cathedral with the resident Parish priest Historically the Canons served as counselors and advisory body. They are not practically burdened with the above responsibilities. Presently there is a separate Advisory body, special financial committee to assist the Bishop, the Canons are referred to for their opinion/ advise/ suggestions at the discretion of the Bishop. Their rights consist of their dignified up keep and maintenance by the Diocese Their privileges are related to their distinctive attire on solemn occasions and when they participate as a group The new Canon law is silent on the institution of Canons ,as to their dominant advisory role, because it is in existence only in few catholic Diocese the world around. The Catholics are not too well informed of this title in the church and are naturally eager, curious to know about it These priests, who during their prime have contributed immensely for the promotion of the work of the Diocese with zeal and enthusiasm are bestowed this tile in recognition and appreciation. Nelson lopes Chinchinim 9850926276>>>> -- "Tony de Sa" < tonydesa at gmail dot com>
