Dear Austin, Thank you so much for your detailed information about the repairs to be undertaken, to return the Church structure to its pristine state, so that generations to come will be able to give thanks for favours received and enjoy the spiritual ambiance of the Church. The Church and the Statue of Our Patroness , Mae de Deus are precious parts of our heritage. They bring us joy, and enhance our existence not only in the celebration of the Mass of Thanksgiving on the First Sunday in May, but it also enjoins us with the many well wishers who together with Saligaokars enjoy the Friendship and Fellowship of our community and help us to keep our fervour alive.
Thank you so much for giving us the names who have and are doing such yeoman service to preserve this wonderful treasure of ours. They deserve our gratitude and applause for the timely intervention, the physical and emotional involvement on the premises and the knowledge that the best expertise is sought for the purpose of the restoration of the Church. Alas those of us in other climates can only help by our small contribution towards the funds required for the restoration. We will endeavour to make our small contribution according to our means for this very important and timely undertaking. Your message will provide the confidence for all those who wish to contribute, that the best advice is sought, that the funds are expended in the most cost effective manner and the contribution of the time and energies of the many villagers who have done so much without any recompense except that the work is well done to the greater glory of Mae de Deus. It is the spirit of sacrifice and dedication which has contributed to the continued respect for the Villagers who earn the admiration which Saligaokars enjoy in the Diaspora. If there has been comments and suggestions it is good, hopefully, it is expressed in good faith for the benefit of all concerned. Many people live very busy lives and to find that the flame of the spirit of Saligao still burns brightly in this hearts and minds is a testimony of the way people in Saligao conduct their interest in the Church. In this I know that many of the Parish Priests, who we have privileged to have served in Saligao over the years have given their time and energies, knowledge and experience for the upliftment of the spiritual and temporal well being of the Parishioners.They too, deserve our thanks and gratitude. May I on behalf of the Friends of Saligao, Perth, Western Australia who are not only Saligaokars but well wishers from many parts of Goa, India, Pakistan, and the Australian community at large, wish you well and pray that the Mae De Deus will intercede with her Heavenly Son to Bless you all for the tireless, and selfless contribution you have made, are making and will hopefully make in the future. Take care and God Bless Albert Da Cruz Patron, Friends of Saligao Perth, Western Australia
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