########################################################################## # If Goanet stops reaching you, contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # Want to check the archives? http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
While the fire at "House of Professed" Old Goa Bom Jesus Basilica made headlines on the local dailies and the national media as well very little is known of the "cause of the fire" that resulted in extensive damage to the Western side of the annexe towards the rooms of the priests. This writer paid a visit this afternoon 22.10.2004 at 1525 hours to the Bom Jesus Basilica. Life was normal around the Basilica, infact there was no sign of the previous day fire except if one had to look to the partially open up roof. Yes the wooden roof was burnt for a good two thirds part. There were fans still hanging and atleast one large switch board protruding from the wall could be seen from below the building but unscarred. Access to the Basilica was not open to the public until afternoon. Apparently better sense prevailed and the Security Services of India Pvt Ltd (mainly North Indians) who oversee the security had permitted the large outstation Dussehra crowds to visit the Bom Jesus Basilica post lunch session. The location of the sacred relicts of St Francis Xavier was at the south end away from the raging fire, but had gusty winds played spoil sport then one could have expected the worst. Just near the foot of the casket where the relicts are placed two youthful constables of the Goa Police were reminiscing the event but they were silent on the cause of it. Short circuit --yes ---thats what every says. But how come all of a sudden. There were some vestments flung outside some partially burnt books and an organ was near the barricaded wall. Access was prohibited and then this writer tried visiting the back yard the gates were partially closed. This part is opposite the Convent of Our Lady of Angels just near the road which leads to the ruins of Queen Catherine. The Archaeological Survey of India had posted security personnel and one such personnel humbly declared that access was out of bounds to probing eyes. They are investigating he stated and a report is expected. A call to Bom Jesus Basilica numbers +91 832 2285790 and the Youth Retreat House 22 84688 found one phone ringing but no reply and the other was apparently off the hook. But there were some laypersons in and up the ruined structure. Some youth apparently salvaging the ruins and assisting the investigating team. One SIS security personnel spoke in Hindi and he stated that there were fire extingushers around but "could the inmates (priests)know to use it... and what about water --- yes he admitted there was'nt enough and that caused the fire to rage higher and higher until other tenders came -- he admitted. The Minister of Transport Mr Pandurang Madkaikar lives just behind the Church in fact he Heads the 43 day Exposition Committee (21 Nov 04 to 2nd Jan 05 )as Chairman with Mr Mathany Saldhana Minister for Tourism as Vice Chairman. Frankly none suspected foul play ===Raghunath a vendor--- described Old Goa scenario as "amchem pott" meaning our earnings depend on "Goencho Saib " and there was no room for suspicion of any mischief. He admitted to have seen CM Mr Parrikar at the scene and many other Ministers who did everything possible to douse the fire which was finally put off by 5.20 am and the church bells tolled as usual he said. There is however one angle to this fire -- could it be that some electrical appliance was left "ON" in one of the locked rooms that caused the fire. Was it a lit up candle left unattended after a short power failure cause the fire? According to some bystanders they state only one of two priests was up there. Both the Rector and the other could not be contacted for comment. They do deserve a good rest after a traumatic event and a day after was too early for them to indulge in a confessional as this writer was seeking. But the shroud of secrecy my the inmates of Basilica and the Se Catedral does not appear convincing. Having moved from there this writer visited the Old Archbishops Palace just behind the " Se Catedral " Parish Church Here the board displays "No Entry to visitors -- works underway" But with due permission from the Security personnel ---there is the ASI office just below -- having entered the top floor it was observed that finishing touches were being given to the walls . The age old frescos need to be retouched and the cupboards holding old books which were strewn all over the place last April 2004 and lots of age old wooden furniture were not seen ---or were contained in half open newly varnished cupboards. This was the erstwhile residence of the past Bishops much before liberation, and before it was shifted to "Paco Patriacal" at Altinho Just down the Sacristy there was Fr Adolf Viegas in casuals -- with attempts to get the details of "cause of the fire" there was no success-- yes he did admit that there were two authorites the Archaelogical Survey of India oversees the Bom Jesus Basilica and therefore "for placing a bulb or putting a nail" one needs their permission, beyond that there was no scope for comments - he said -- I dont look after the Basilica" He did agree that everything is being done to put things in place for the Exposition and one could see this around. But the significance of day 21 was the day the present Archbishop of Goa & Daman took office (March 2004) and 21st (November 2004 ) is the beginning of the Exposition and the fire on 21st (October 2004 ) ---- Could one read anything in the day? Suddenly a group of 15 "novices" dressed in white came serenading a melodius greeting song in Konkani leaving one astounded --- Well these "novices" Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King along with Sister Superior of Convent of Our lady of Angels had come to greet Fr Adolf Viegas on his 82nd birthday... There was profuse handshakes and Fr Viegas broke into a jovial frenzy... Pointing out to this writer he said "he is discovering the ==cause=== of the fire" and if that fire had engulfed me there would be no birthday he said pointing out to a bandaged foot following a fall three months ago which has restricted his movements ---this comment was followed by a guffaws of laughter from the young novices. He willingly submitted himself for a photo session by this writer surrounded by the novices. Look this up on the internet he warned the novices ---as he distributed cakes and refreshments ---just before one of the novices reminded him that he had to celebrate the Holy Mass at 1700 hrs. It is true that the fire has come as a wake up call to all the Churches in Goa. Visit any church, the sacristy or the living room of the priests ---one would see --- burning candles damaging the walls sometimes molten wax streaming down the altar, satin cloth burnt.. Walk into the rooms there are so many books dusty just recklessly placed in cupboards .. there is a lot of wooden furniture unused broken but no one cares --- it lies for years together Atleast this writer has seen a full load of unused furniture dumped in the backyard behind the Holy Spirit Church in Margao === no one cares . It is an awakening to the Archdiocese of Goa & Daman and the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services --to inspect and take measures to see that they clean their backyards -- CLEANLINESS is NEXT to GODLINESS introduce fire preventive measures .... Times have changed never before Goa faced such scorching heat even at 0800 hrs all this could cause smouldering of age old open or concealed wiring. With most churches undertaking renovation works re-tiling re-furnishing due care needs to be taken to modern day electrical appliances. The Catholic Ministers & MLAs of the ruling party who have promised assistance to the Bom Jesus Basilica should first undertake a tour of all the over 142 Churches and over 68 chapels in the State of Goa inspect the unused items - electrical installations and suggest a one time subsidy to install fire preventive devices or or re-wiring of the premises. The biggest fear this evening as Fr. Viegas mentioned was the unprecedented rain fall in parts of North Siolim which would spell further damage to the open roof. Following the fire at Tamil nadu which claimed the lives of several innocent children the Directorate of Education has directed all schools in Goa to introduce fire fighting equipment and report compliance. These directions should also be given to the Archdiocese of Goa & Daman. At the end of the visit past 1830 here was a man seen on the roof top removing the burnt out portions. With State assistance there could be restoration works in place well before the Exposition just a month away. But the "cause" of the fire will linger on the minds of the faithful. It is not known either whether the furniture and fixtures were insured -- and this would account for further losses. In conclusion the fear sounded in April 2004 by Director of Fire and Emergency Services Govt of Goa and the ASI Goa Division seems to have come true. from the OLD GOA BASILICA end GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] ________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your life partner online Go to: http://yahoo.shaadi.com/india-matrimony
