Goan Catholics rejoice and are in a state of frenzy, in anticipation of the fact that next January, the long wait for canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, a priest who was born in Goa in 1651 and carried out all his work in Sri Lanka, might finally be over. He is expected to be solemnly declared a Saint by the Pope.
Somehow I find all this strange. Fr. Joseph Vaz was a living saint. He died a saintly death. He surely went to heaven and God gave him the crown of glory and nothing more was left for him as he enjoys heavenly bliss. It sounds bizarre that Fr. Vaz, a man of God with impeccable credentials had to wait all these long years and that too for a “human” sanction.
What about our departed loved ones who lived an exemplary life in the service of God? Are we to assume that they are not in heaven just because they escaped the attention of a group of powerful faithful and the biggies of the Church?
Without any intention to pass judgement, I ask if our departed home “saints” could be wondering as to why the Church is so selective and discriminating? Therefore, when I pray to obtain the graces I seek in all humility, I directly pray to the God of love and mercy and also to our home saints who died in obscurity.
Let me reiterate that I feel unable to understand – should I say? – this most complicated and complex process in the church called canonization. Would a renowned theologian give me a down-to-earth explanation?
Dr. Francisco Colaço, Margao
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Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai
The Indian government has to be extra careful while dealing with China which is notorious for stabbing in the back through its aggression on India in the year 1962 after the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru believed in Chinese slogan ‘Hindi Chini Bahi Bhai’.
Only recently with all types of diplomatic moves by India towards Pakistan including of personal level of two Prime Ministers with ‘sari-shawl’ diplomacy, India had to take its steps back when Pakistani ambassador in India had a pre-summit talks with Kashmiri separatists, and now supporting India’s most wanted Hafiz Saeed’s presence as a free Pakistani citizen in flood-hit Pak-occupied-Kashmir
Both China and Pakistan are notorious for backstabbing India at all times after putting in a darkness of false picture of friendship!
Madhu Agrawal, Delhi
Silent PM
I refer to the article in Herald titled ‘ Chinese civilians intrude into Ladakh ..’ where it has been reported that Chinese thugs entered Indian territory of Ladakh and threatened and stopped Indians from carrying out work on an irrigation project. The Government of India has downplayed these reports!
About a year back when the Chinese intruded into Indian territory there was a big hue and cry made by the BJP claiming that Manmohan Singh was weak and ‘silent’ as a PM and therefore they blamed him for these acts . Now Modi has become the PM and these intrusions still continue. Even his so called ‘masterstroke-diplomacy ‘ of inviting the Premiers of neighbouring countries for his swearing in ceremony , a move which was even hailed by one local MLA was of no use as Pakistan continues to intrude and commit atrocities on Indian soil .
Modi continues to be silent and downplays these serious issues. Everyone expected Modi to be a very strong and decisive leader but during his first 100 days in power we have seen nothing but mere theatrics and lack of will. In the meanwhile the communal elements are not wasting any time and are trying hard to gain ground and are now coming out openly with all sorts of polarization tactricks like ‘creation of Hindu Rashtra’ , ‘Conversion issue ‘ , ‘Love Jihad’ etc while Modi continues to remain silent and therefore is indirectly supporting and allowing these elements to take control and vitiate the peaceful atmosphere.
Napolean A.D’Souza, Saligao
Colva lake
I would suggest and appreciate if my fellow villagers of Colva and Sernabatim, Salcete preserve the original land in front of Colva Church which was formerly known as “Daklem Toren” i.e. small lake of Colva, which has been acquired for the development of a play ground.
The villagers must shun the development and filling the land which will be an environmental disaster for the village, and thus by doing so will pay a tribute to the great son of Colva — Lambert Mascarenhas, a freedom fighter, writer, centenarian, and above all great personality who strongly opposed the development of the said land which will cause flooding and degradation of environment.
Rudolph Noronha, Colva
