Say Se Cathedral not painted inside for last 4-5 years
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: After accusing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of unilaterally removing many paintings from the Se Cathedral in Old Goa, priests at the Se Cathedral have blamed ASI officials for their indifferent attitude towards the world famous heritage site and the parishioners since the past few years.
“Since the time Dr Shivanand Rao, Superintending Archeologist of ASI Goa circle, has come to Goa as the ASI official, the Se Cathedral has not been painted inside for the last four-five years. Even repairs of the Blessed Sacrament haven’t been carried out, while the ceiling of the Cathedral is peeling off,” Se Cathedral Parish Priest Fr Leonard Correia told Herald.
“The ASI officials visited the church to take stock of the situation, but till date nothing has been done. Even electrical fixtures have gone off for years now and they haven’t been replaced and the situation is going from bad to worse,” stated Fr Correia.
“Though ASI spends a lot on things outside the church, but it hardly spends any amount for the church,” added Fr Correia.
“Parishioners are not allowed to enter through the main gate of the church, but outsiders are allowed to enter from the main gate. The parishioners have to use the other gate to enter the parish. But ASI opens the main gate for their agents and those who come for their work. This has happened since the time the present ASI officer has been posted at Old Goa,” claimed Fr Correia.
Se Cathedral Assistant Parish Priest Fr Ramiro Luis was also critical of ASI’s response to their letter regarding the paintings, which were removed from the Se Cathedral.
“Paintings are removed and no account has been given as to what has happened to the paintings. We are just told that the paintings have been taken for chemical analysis, but till date the paintings are not brought back and this is going on for the past three-four years,” he said.
“Due to ASI’s interference in everything, we cannot even exercise our pastoral work in the church. ASI has considered the church as a monument, but for us it’s a living body and we are disturbed with the things going on here,” added Fr Luis.
When contacted for comments, Dr Rao said: “I have not received letter from anyone and it is news to me. You may have a copy of the letter, but I don’t have it.”
Dr Rao later disconnected the call and efforts to contact him again failed as he did not respond to the phone calls.
