Team Herald
CANACONA: Natividade D’Sa, a septuagenarian from Canacona who has been crusading for long seeking permission for biannual visits in February and October, to the Church of Our Lady of Brotas at Anjediv Island, presented a renewed request to Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik seeking at least a limited access on two days in a year. D’Sa was accompanied by AAP Convenor Elvis Gomes.
Speaking over the phone, Natividade informed Herald that the minister was requested to allow a small batch of upto 10 persons under naval police escort if required to pray and light candles on February 2 and October 4.
D’Sa said that the civilians from Canacona have been pilgrims at the island church which is believed to be the first church in India outside Kerala.
“As the naval authorities have banned entry of devotees, Our Lady of Brotas church on Anjadiv island is kept locked since last 15 years; not even a single candle is lit at the church alter during these years, as a devote Catholic it is my duty to see that the island gates are opened twice every year, if required with whatever restrictions the naval authorities dim fit,” D’Sa asserted.
“In this new era when access to military establishments is often allowed to civilians such as during Navy Week, the Navy should consider a small group of pilgrims who can be subjected to police clearance before being allowed, if required even under escort,” D’Sa added.
“The pilgrims have started to believe that visit to the church is required to pray for the many patients suffering from kidney related ailments in Canacona Taluka,” D’Sa said that the Minister assured to once again take up the matter with the Navy.
