TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: In a bid to restore the traditional practice of celebrating the feast of Nossa Senhora De Brotas at the church on Anjediva Island, off the Karwar coast, a social activist has sought the permission of Naval authorities to celebrate mass on the island on February 2, the eve of the feast.
In a letter to the Commodore in charge of the naval base at Karwar, Godfrey Gonsalves stated that he along with two volunteers along with a priest will visit the Island on February 1 by a motor boat from Galgibaga in Canacona, directly to Church of Our Lady of Spring (Nossa Senhora De Brotas) in Anjediva Island.
Their trip to Anjediva Island on February 1, stated Gonsalves, will be to make arrangements for celebrating the holy mass on February 2.
“The sea route is being utilized because from October 4, 2004 and February 2, 2005 onwards to date, access through the Bhaitkol Port, Binaga or Arga (which fall in the State of Karnataka) has been denied to worshippers.
“Celebrations of both the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and Nossa Senhora De Brotas (have been) denied allegedly ‘owing to prevailing security scenario in coastal region & large scale Inter service Defence Exercise at Naval base,’” stated Gonsalves in his letter and added that “Owing to security considerations only those with Government of India recognized photo IDs will visit the island.” Drinking water and mobile toilet arrangements has also been requested.
Copies of the letter have been addressed to Defence Minister A K Antony and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
