Church bulletin article warns of Manipur-like situation in Goa
PANAJI: The state government’s talk of “destroying traces of Portuguese culture” is a warning that Goa could witness clashes similar to those in Manipur, says an article in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman’s pastoral bulletin, Renovacao.
“Goa is expected to see the next holocaust after Manipur,” writes F E Noronha, a member of the editorial board of Renovacao.
The bulletin is published by the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM), from the Archbishop’s House in Altinho, Panaji.
“The sporadic squeaks about destroying traces of Portuguese culture are announcements of the holocaust under preparation,” Noronha writes in the article. “Get ready to be paraded, you can save on your clothes. There are also sporadic announcements about places of worship.”
The article adds, “People of Goa, enough of stupid Sao Joaos, dances, weddings, ‘Corridinhos’ and alcohol, get down on your knees and pray whatever prayer you know.” It goes on to say, “Your grandfathers rescued Goa in 1967. There is no Dr Jack Sequeira today, and Goans are not united. But situations throw up the requisite leadership and people rise to the occasion according to the crises.”
The article says that Goa is staring at “crises” and that “churches may be demolished…priests may be beaten up” if “the politics of hate” continues.
“If you have any sense left in you, please find some time off your easy lifestyle, to reflect on the fate of your land. Goa won’t be saved in Swindon, it has to be saved right here,” the article says referring to the Goans who have migrated to the UK.
It further says that two generations ago, “our own Goan people were trying to merge Goa with another state. Now, we have only one religion: opportunism, money-making. Money can’t buy you peace, it is the root of all evil.”
Noronha also appears to make a political statement ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.
“By squandering our votes on fly-by-night parties, we got what we deserved: the fruit of our political stupidity,” he writes.
The article is published on timesofindia.indiatimes.com
