NESHWIN ALMEIDA
neshwin@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: While uncertainties prevail over the health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the Church and its laity have been praying for the healing and good health of the CM, while Pujas are offered in temples throughout Goa
Parrikar, over the last few years has shared a cordial relationship with Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, and the latter has appealed to Catholics to pray for the recovery of the Chief Minister.
“During Holy hour at the Blessed Sacrament we do pray for him and his recovery and we also keep him in our prayers at mass,” explained Fr Bolmax Fereira, Parish Priest of Nerul.
The prayer group led by the parishioners at Taleigao Church also have raised petitions for the CM, who is recuperating at Lilavati Hospital at Mumbai.
The Archbishop’s statement, which was brief, urged the Catholic community “to raise fervent prayers for the good health of the head of the government in this State”.
A group of Catholic laity, led by prayer group leader Edward and few others, have decided to raise a prayer petition for the CM at the night vigil scheduled this week at the Carmelite Monastery, Aquem.
Also, a sect of Christians led by Bro Emanuel D’Souza at Margao, had special praise and worship sessions praying for the Chief Minister’s recovery by stating that the CM’s health issues can be improved like moving mountains as stated in the bible.
A few senior citizens in his Parra parish have also been offering a rosary a day for the health of the Chief Minister. While Jonas Coutinho from Cuncolim stated that his Lenten sacrifice of abstaining from meat and alcohol is a sacrifice for the recovery of the Chief Minister.
Fr Adrian Barreto, a congregational priest explained how people in Panjim have put behind their issues of garbage and coal transportation and have actually been mature to pray for the CM and his good health.
Even such that intercessory prayer groups and members of the Church led Somudai’s have been holding small way of the cross and prayers keeping the intention of the health of the Chief Minister.
Agostinho Pinto, a tiatrist from Navelim said that Gospel music shows and Lenten related tiatrs that are popular during this season of sadness start or end with a prayer wherever they are hosted and most of these prayers are now dedicated to the Chief Minister’s health.
Gerard Coelho, a regular to Old Goa from Carmbolim explains how Hindus from Old Goa and Neura often share their devotion to St Francis Xavier and a lot of them have been thronging the Basilica of Bom Jesus these days to pray for the Chief Minister
Meanwhile South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar said that doctors at Lilavati Hospital are constantly monitoring the Chief Minister’s health and he is positively responding to the treatment.
Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte has cancelled his birthday celebrations on February 25 and appealed to well wishers to join in prayers at temples, masjids and churches that will start from February 23.
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Sudarshan hom, Puja and Mass in Panjim on Fri & Sat
Well wishers of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar are conducting a Sudarshan Hom & Dhanvantari Puja from 12 noon on Friday Feb 23 at Gramdevta Mahalaxmi Temple followed by Gharane at 6 pm. Also a Mass has been organised at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim at 11 am on Saturday Feb 24 for the well being of the CM & Panjim MLA.
