HI Saligaonkars on Saligaonet, Have been following the recent mails being sent with regard to the work at our beautiful Church of Mae-De-Deus and all that is written therein.... I do not want to join in the discussions regarding the fund raising appeal that has been circulated, both in village, in Goa and abroad, and to all the villagers of Saligao, wherever they are across the globe. However, what I do wish to impress upon all who read this mail, is that our beautiful church was in 'URGENT NEED OF REPAIRS', AND HAD THE WORK NOT BEEN STARTED WHEN IT WAS, A PORTION OF THE CHURCH ROOF MAY HAVE COME DOWN. I say this with full conviction, as I have seen the state of the timber roofing. Even the false ceiling which looked good from down, was rotten in places. The attached photographs which were sent to me by the "ONDULINE" roofing people who had come to inspect the roof, tell the story only in part. The top rafters had warped so badly that some were totally off level and most had bent in the centre and had loaded the trusses of the false ceiling, which started giving way and coming apart with the load of the roof. Now the roofing timber has been fully removed and repair works have started on the wooden trusses. Other work being done at the moment is the repairs and waterproofing of the rain water drains which are on top on both sides of the church. The corridor roof has also been opened and is being done up. A lot of other work and repairs are also being taken up but the priority at the moment is the main church roof. Top structural Engineers and architects from Goa are looking into ways and means of getting the work done (and done really well !!) with the best materials at their disposal, so that the quality is not compromised and the work done now will last long, without the need of constant repairs and mantainence. Due to this roofing sheets have been chosen to replace the existing tiles.... and many changes have been suggested and may be done to safeguard this church of ours which still can be seen illuminated every night and draws hundreds of tourist everyday.
Many will wonder as to why this long description of the work etc. I am involved with the work and am one among many in our parish of Saligao who are on the job daily in the church. Professional like Mr. Dean D'cruz, Mr. Sylvester D' Souza, Mr. Darryl Pereira, Mr. Andrew Cordeiro, Mr, Tulio D' Souza have come and have either given their opinion or are actively involved in the roof work design. Others like Mr. Arnold Sequeira, Mr. Moses Coutinho, Mr. Anthony Fernandes, Mr. Diago Fernandes come and help everyday in various ways. The 'Fabrica' team of Mr. John Machado and Mr. Napoleon Coutintho work tirelessly to coordinate the work etc. Regular meetings with the Mapusa Parish Priest Fr. Amandio Valladares (Vicar General of Bardez Parishes) and both our resident priest Fr, Carlisto Coelho and Fr. Vencie D' Sa, ensure that work is being done under the guidelines of Bishop who gives the final approval before anything is done at all. Many other Parishiners also come and help in various works, whenever they are free. All in all, many are contributing their mite to see that the work is done and will complete on time. However funds are required. Every week the list of ward wise collection is read out during the Mass. People in the parish and abroad are donating generously and we have no doubt that the money will be raised. The Parish Council coordinates the collection from the people in the Parish and a "fund raising Committee" is also set-up. The 'Fabrica' members also display a list of expenses on a weekly basis, and 'TRANSPERANCY OF BOTH EXPENDITURE AND COLLECTIONS, as well as of the WORK BEING DONE' is maintained. I also know for certain that receipts for all donations and collections have been given and proper accounts are kept. I have explained in detail the work being done. because many have not seen or been able to understand why suddenly the work was undertaken and funds are being collected. It is also not right to make irresponsible statements and cast aspersions on people who work or have worked for the church or on its various committee's. If any money is not accounted for or receipts not given, please make sure to check first, as the same may have been put into any other account or used for some other work of the church. I personally do not believe that anyone will stoop so low as to swindle from the church. Before I end let me once again impress upon one and all the need for all of us to come forward and contribute our mite, both financially and physically (lots of work in the church these days being the lenten season) , so that our beautiful church of Mae de Deus is fully renovated and remains so for our future generations. with best wishes Austin Da Gama -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Saligao 403511 website http://saligao.goa-india.org Saligaonet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goacom.org/mailman/listinfo/saligaonet
