johnny five

I take it thats not "the" Carmen Miranda?

Goacrazy56

I shouldn't think so
GC

a_f_d

Well I've signed it, but I don't really see the point - most of the problems are caused by legal mining - round here anyway.

AndyD 8-)#

Goacrazy56

Thanks
However I disagree a-f-d watch the video this wasn't legal mining I assure you and if you get down south to Canacona you will see the mess they are making with illegal mining 1 in 3 mines don't have a licence or they have a show cause notice against them and they are still mining the area
GC

wheatsheaf

more to the point, why are goanetters not signing up in droves?. It is THEIR country, their history, their future. What is it that keeps Goans in this perpetual stupor?. Are they waiting for NGOs? Are they so illiterate and short sighted? Even St Francis must be wondering how long they will wait for his intervention. For all their pride about 'communidade', self reliance, village democracy, it has been singular individuals only who have done anything worthwhile for Goa. Im beginning to think it is time for FNs to withdraw from any and all interaction with the populace of Goa, until such a time as we are treated with respect and equity. Let them pickle in their own juice.

johnny five

If they could be bothered?

wheatsheaf

oh, but they will. It's in the nature of things. Bothered or not.

gregit

Some things never change :
God's Dream For Francis

In March 1540 when King John Ill of Portugal asked for six Jesuits to be sent to India, Ignatius could spare only two, viz. Simon Rodriguez and Nicholas Bobadilla. At the last moment, the latter being too ill to undertake the hazards and rigours of the voyage, Francis Xavier, Ignatius' own secretary at the time, was requested to step into the breach, which he accepted with alacrity. Thus began a service that would serve as a model and inspiration to his successors. Accordingly, on 7th April 1541 Xavier sailed from Lisbon. The voyage was terrible in its sufferings and trials. What with the roughness of the seas, the unsanitary conditions on board, the ravages of disease in some parts enroute which provided Francis with valuable opportunities for the exercise of his missionary and charitable spirit, after sailing for thirteen months instead of six, he finally landed in this our own "Golden Goa", God's priceless gift for Goa and the East!


The Indian Scenario

What did Xavier find on arrival? Immorality and irreligion held undisputed sway in the city. Away from the gross profligacy of the European rulers back home, Francis' heart was sorely grieved by the idolatry he found in India. Besides, no sanctity of civil or religious contracts was respected; murders and robberies were rampant, and justice was sold to the highest bidder; luxurious living, easy gratification of the passions, absence of the Portuguese wives who refused to come to India had loosened the domestic tie, and homes were indistinguishable from brothels. The unedifying conduct of the Christians prompted Xavier to repeatedly cry out that the Christians were the worst enemies of Christianity. Exterior ceremonials were observed with the greatest pomp but the spirit was wanting, and the Eucharist and other Sacraments, which hold the central place in Christian worship and life, were in absolute neglect throughout the Diocese.

Xavier realised that money generated a lot of corruption. Slaves, who had been imported from Africa to work as domestics, were used for sexual gratification and kept as concubines. Portuguese officials cheated by retaining in the salary registers the names of those who were already dead. Francis would tackle all these vices with great tact, understanding and love, and thereby win over most people to a life of integrity and honesty. by Prof.(Miss)Anne Menezes of Goa Viva Goa