PANJIM: After almost six months, churches at the world heritage complex in Old Goa are set to re-open for their faithful, beginning with Se Cathedral from Monday. The Basilica of Bom Jesus that saw over 5,000 daily visitors before lockdown will open its doors for devotees from September 13, following strict COVID-19 protocols.
The Basilica and Cathedral, protected sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), are close for devotees and visitors since mid-March. The Archbishop of Goa, Reverend Filipe Neri Ferrao, has issued a circular in June permitting the gradual opening of the churches, chapels and shrines in the State.
Both Basilica and Cathedral were initially considering re-opening after July 31; however the same was delayed in view of rising COVID-19 cases.
The Parish Priest of Old Goa, Fr Alfred Vaz said that Se Cathedral church will re-open for faithful from Monday, September 7, following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that are laid down in view of pandemic. “The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady is also scheduled on September 8 and the same will be celebrated,” he said.
“We are waiting for guidelines from Archbishop of Goa on conduct of the feast scheduled on September 8,” he maintained.
The Parish Priest said the Basilica of Bom Jesus will open from September 13.
Fr Vaz said that proper social distancing norms will be followed, with only two people, per bench to be allowed to be seated with one meter distance.
Wearing of face mask, use of hand sanitisers and thermal temperature checks are to be made mandatory before allowing the faithful to enter the premises, he said.
Archbishop of Goa in its advisory issued in June had discouraged senior citizens above 65 years, children below 10 years, pregnant women, those with co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, heart, lung and kidney ailments; and those residing in containment zone or undergoing home quarantine, from visiting churches.
