[Goanet] Shi

[Ana Maria de souza-Goswami]

I agree fully with Ana Maria Fernandes about a retreat house  estimated to 
cost 20 crores. It is sheer waste of money. In Betim we have a small chapel 
very close to our local post office.  The chapel is never full. Suddenly 
certain local people decided to raise funds for a bigger chapel and they 
raised 14 lakhs. When I moved to Betim in June 1998, in front of my place 
was a dilapated cross. Went from pillar to post to get funds to restore it. 
Nobody came forward, till  I joined The Goa Heritage Action Group and spear 
headed to raise funds. From Betim, besides my immediate neighbour and a 
couple of people, no one else gave a sou.
This heritage cross was built in 1580 or thereabouts. Finally we raised 
funds and the cross was restored. No one will give funds for education of 
poor children, but will give funds to their local chapel/church, as they 
think they will definitely reach heaven.

Ana Maria de Souza-Goswami