Have a good time but not at the name and cost of St. John the Baptist!
St. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Christ. He is the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan river and had the grace to recognize the Saviour in the crowd. Jesus acclaimed Sao Joao’s mother as the most fortunate woman among all women, and professed that St. John the Baptist was the most anointed among all the anointed saints. He was a voice from the desert asking people to revert from their wrong ways and repent. He lived in the desert using hides as clothing (simplicity). He ate what was available in the desert (Fasted), He did not consume intoxicating drinks, nor did he entertain with dance… instead prayed for salvation(holy).
When such is the backdrop of St. John the Baptist, how can our Goan Catholics and the rest, sell his name for dance, grinds, drinks, music and revelry? It is nothing short of mockery to a highly revered saint who laid down his life while judging right from wrong by sacrificing his head on a platter. If you must, then, go ahead and have a fest. But don’t call it Sao Joao and make a mockery of Faith.
Dr. Suvarna Fonseca, by email
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A heartless state
The Feb 21, 2015 Herald editorial “Baina Demolitions: Even Death Has Better Timing” hit the nail hard on the head. Reading your first-hand account of the misery and plight of the victims — little kids and infants in particular — evoked strong emotions, as many readers will likely agree.
Regardless of the laws and statutes (often enacted to be broken), nobody should have the authority to summarily demolish another’s home at the drop of a hat. The very fact that such a brazen action was executed is clear indication that Goa is ruled by a cruel, callous and dispassionate regime.
Lovell G Pinto, USA
Hats off
Bravo, hats off to the Rajasthan BJP MLA Bhavani Singh Rajawat for asking the two-wheelers of Rajasthan not to wear helmets while riding motorcycles stating that such protective gear will help the criminals to flee from police.(Herald dated 20/6/2015).
In my view too, it is true what Balvani Rajapat said. It is wrong on the part of Goa Government under instruction of PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar to enforce the helmet rule in Goa on all roads. The traffic cops are harassing the two wheelers at Kurade Petrol Pump, Margao during these days. They stop every one not wearing helmets, nobody is spared, even the ladies carrying their children home are challaned.
Where are MLAs gone? Are there MLAs like Rajasthan BJP MLA in Goa? If the MLAs/elected representatives do not demand the Government to relax the helmet rule on all roads in Goa like BJP MLA, they should not be re-elected during next assembly election.
Whiterose, Carmona
Attack on Afghan Parliament
The Taliban attack on the Afghan Parliament has proved once again that the menace of Taliban is still not over in Afghanistan. While my thoughts are with those who lost their lives, it reiterates that peace and stability in the nation remains an area of concern, when one looks at the spate of daily terrorist activities in Afghanistan. The challenge is now before the defence forces of Afghanistan to fight Taliban forces and establish peace.
K. B. Dessai, Fatorda
HC of Bombay at Goa
The capital metropolitan city Bombay has been changed to Mumbai by the Govt. and insist all States and public in general to address all correspondences and letters from Bombay to Mumbai whereas it is seen our High Court at Altinho being the highest judicature in law in Goa State is still using the name as High Court of Bombay at Goa on the sign board at Altinho instead of making it as High Court of Mumbai at Goa for which our Government should take cognizance of this error which is giving bad example for other courts, government departments and others concerned.
Luis Carlos Roncon, St Cruz
