How do you describe the destruction of the temples if not acts of wanton persecution. How can one exonerate the introduction of the Inquisition by Francis Xavier and his mob to Goa.The burning of people at the stake to satisfy the zeal of the leaders of the Inquisition.
It will be instructive to read books by Fr, Pinto a Manglorean, about the reasons for Goan Christian and Hindus leaving their land of birth and finding safe haven in Karwar and Manglore which was ruled by enlightened Hindu Kings. Besides it may also be instructive to research the struggle between the Padroado and the Propaganda Fide. How does one explain why Mathew de Castro who was consecrated Bishop by the Pope was refused a see "who on his return to Rome complained vigorously to the Curia about institutional racism practised by the Padroado." If senior papal appointment were treated with such utter disrespect how much worse would the plight of the Hindu Pandits have been? Why were the Goan Priests who were murdered together with the European priests in Cuncolim not declared Martyrs by the Church when the Europeans were done the honour? Why was the see of Goa not filled for twenty years after the death of the Archbishop in 1652. Why was it policy to have a body of European priests who made up the Cathedral Chapter administer the see for 20 years with the appointment of an Archbishop? No wonder that there were men of the cloth with a social conscience and therefore the church was split into two warring factions with Excommunications being quite common between them. I had to travel to Rome to Jesu Church to explode some of the myths about Francis Xavier that I was brought up on. History is about the past. One Noonghar Elder in Perth, Western Australia said, "EVERY LIVING TRADITION IS SHAPED BY ITS HISTORY" Sooner or later the History of the Conversion of Hindus to Christianity will have to be rewritten by men who have the courage to seek the truth.They are our forefathers. Christians must have the humility to study the implications of the Inquisition on our forefathers - their way of dress, their way of life, their values their cuisine. It will also be instructive to compare the attitudes and behaviour of the Church Leaders who were mainly Europeans in their land of birth and in their land of occupation. If the past history of the Church may not have been pleasant but it is not the place of historians to deny the truth. The sooner we come to term with the reality of those times the sooner will the healing process be complete. To do otherwise is allow the wounds to fester with dire consequences.There is no place for religious bigotry of any kind anywhere. We should endeavour to develop a society where religious differences should be respected with understanding and acceptance.The days of privilege enjoyed by the Christians in Goa must give way sooner than later to a more equitable society where the worth of each member of society should be based on being upright citizens and all that it entails. The life of Fr. Jose Vaz will paint a different picture. It is the chickens coming home to roost.!!!!!! I am quoting from a Book published by the CATHOLIC TRUTH SOCIETY on the life Joseph Vaz which states "Sixteenth century missionaries knew very well that no one should be forced to accept Christianity, but their understanding of what constituted improper pressure was very different from ours. Much of what they considered legitimate and commendable would today, in the light of the Church's more developed understanding of evangelisation, be considered appalling wrong. ( Page 6.) Best wishes Albert ----- Original Message ----- From: "Goa Desc" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 3:28 PM Subject: [saligaonet] Distortion of History by the Goa Education Department > Distortion of History > ------------------------------- > This is with reference to the editorial dated December 22 on your > daily. I am glad to see that you have commented editorially on > the interference in our educational system by the Government > of Goa. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--W-E-B--S-I-T-E--=-=-=-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from Saligaonet | http://www.goacom.com/saligao_tinto/ ============================================================================ * Send e=mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] (NOT [email protected]) * Leave SUBJECT blank <--- Commom Mistake !! * On first line of the BODY of your message, type: subscribe saligaonet YOUR.EMAIL OR unsubscribe saligaonet YOUR.EMAIL Questions/Problems? Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
