Pope led the life
of a real saint
It is an established truth that Pope Francis was an embodiment of compassion, love and humility. He was an adorable religious leader and a most loved human being, par excellence. He served as an ambassador of the poor and needy. Though he was the uncrowned monarch of the Vatican City, we never found him exhibiting power at any time or enjoying a luxurious life. His frequent visits to the slums to serve the poor, jails to comfort the prisoners and fight for the rights of the under- privileged and the continuous efforts made by him to stop the wars marked his Papacy. His compassionate gestures have served as a great solace to those who became victims of the ongoing wars and the recommendations made by him to the other rich nations to give asylum to them proved beyond doubt that he was indeed a true disciple of Lord Jesus and a strict follower of his teachings.
In short, Pope Francis led a life of a real Saint and his loss is irreparable not only to the Catholic community but humanity in its entirety. It is unfortunate that we have lost Pope Francis at a time when the world needs him the most. May his noble soul rest in peace.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
RIP Pope Francis
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to become Pope. He was elected as Pope on March 13, 2013 at the age of 76 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. He became known for focusing on humility, helping those in need, and fairness.
During his tenure as Pope, he made changes within the Vatican to improve financial transparency and address clerical abuse issues.
He inherited a Church that was under attack over a child sex abuse scandal and torn by infighting in the Vatican bureaucracy, and was elected with a clear mandate to restore order.
He is best known for his humility, his strong emphasis on God's mercy, his global visibility, and his commitment to social justice and inter-religious dialogue. He's also recognized for his advocacy for the poor, his openness, and his simplified approach to the papacy, choosing to live in a guesthouse rather than the papal residence.
He chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his love of the poor and nature. His death on April 21 is a loss to the Catholic Church the world over.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai
A blast from the past
and a sad present
Earlier this month, it was a delight to be back in Goa, my first visit after being bestowed the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
I was so very pleased to attend the Golden Jubilee Reunion of our SSC batch at our school Bal Bharati Vidyamandir in my native Ribandar. Meeting up with my fellow students and dear teachers after 50 long years was heart-warming. A flashback of nostalgic memories.
However, on the other side it was so very distressing to learn that the Home for the Aged next to Don Bosco High School in Panaji run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, was going to be shut down this month end. This was a much needed shelter for the destitute and homeless. An immense solace to the poor, downtrodden and impoverished.
Seven years ago, I had requested the nuns there to house a woman from Ribandar whom they willingly accommodated, and it was a setback to be told that she now had to leave. It was too sudden and at a very short notice. Fortunately, I was able to relocate her to another charitable home in South Goa.
Let us hope that the authorities will do everything possible to restore this institution in Panaji so that the Missionaries of Charity can continue providing the laudable service in helping the underprivileged and needy. May the focus at all times be on Care, Concern and Comfort of the poorest of the poor. Through concrete measures, there is need to usher the much-needed succour and solace to these unfortunate brothers and sisters who languish without a shelter.
Nelson Mandela had so very rightly said, “Freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs, if they can have no shelter, if illiteracy and disease continue to dog them”.
Aires Rodrigues, London
Brilliant editorial
I read with very keen interest, your today’s editorial titled “ people lose when institutions clash”
I had the opportunity to read as well as listen to various views and opinions expressed by eminent lawyers as well as retired judges of Supreme Court about the recent Supreme Court landmark judgement on April 8.
Each one of them gave their valuable comments upholding the constitutional validity of the verdict.
However, the views, opinions and observations made by you, in your editorial are very sensible, meaningful and far-reaching. Without criticising the opponents of the verdict, who are not agreeing with the Supreme Court judgement your view points appear to be filled with common sense with clear explanations of far reaching outcomes that will protect the legitimacy of State Assemblies and also expedite the bills adopted by state legislatures which are then sent to the governors and even to the President of India for their assents. It's found that often there is inordinate delay in returning them back to the respective State Assemblies, within a reasonable time limit. Hence it has been observed that lack of action from the constitutional authorities is causing immense problems to the people of the states, who elected their representatives with the hopes and aspirations to resolve all their pending issues at the earliest .The latest verdict of the SC apparently takes care of such inherent drawbacks.
Antonio Diniz, Fatorda
FDA needs more teeth
The FDA in Goa is news these recent few days with regards to conduction raids on eateries and fruits. There are many hotels and eateries shut down by FDA for not maintaining hygiene, also many fruits are destroyed as they are artificially ripened or coloured.
FDA is seen now during mango season or during Ganesh or Diwali times where they check for adulterated foods. I request health minister and FDA to carry out , frequent checks are required and punishment even behind bars as these people are playing with the health of citizen.
Chemical like formalin and carbide which is used to ripen fruits should be treated as controlled drugs.
George Fernandes, Navelim