FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai recently visited St Anthony Church, Siolim, as part of his Sampurna Goa Yatra. It was a historical visit and it will remain in the annals of history. He was welcomed by the Parish Priest, Dr Socorro Mendes along with the Members of the Fabrica. Besides the presence of the local MLA, Delilah Lobo and her spouse Michael Lobo, the MLA of Calangute Constituency, several other dignitaries accompanying the Governor were present. The respective Sarpanchas and Panchas of the Panchayats of Siolim-Marna, Sodiem-Siolim and Oxel-Siolim were also present.
The Parish Priest prayed for the Governor and imparted a special blessing to him and to all those present in the Church, with the ‘relic’ of St Anthony. The Governor was happy to see the display of the restored paintings on the life of St Anthony and the panel of the Apostles. He had a special comment to make on the historicity of St Thomas the Apostle on Indian soil. He said that no one gives a concrete proof of St Thomas’ presence in India especially in Kerala in the year 52 AD, yet he said that the unbroken belief that has come down from the ancestors is in itself sufficient evidence. He said that he firmly believes that it is a historical fact.
His impression that he wrote on the visitor’s book is very edifying. He wrote, “I, along with Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lobo, visited this
great Church. Fr. Mendes prayed for me. I am happy to see the Church and its spiritual nobility. Thanks.” Sd/- PS Sreedharan Pillai
