Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Goa (Agenzia Fides) - Amidst the Government's indifference and local builders who are seizing possession of the land surrounding the historic Basilica of “Bom Jesus” in Goa, the Basilica is trying to cope with some 5,000 pilgrims who visit it daily to venerate the tomb of St Francis Xavier. According to information received by Fides from the General Curia of the Jesuits, on 3 December, the Feast of the Saint, more than 100,000 people made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, while in the previous nine days of prayer, the inflow was about 50,000 people. The pilgrims find hospitality in neighbouring convents and the poor sleep in the open air or on buses, because there are no suitable facilities to house them. The Government's plans three years ago for a reception centre and site intended for the Church have not yet been completed, and in the meantime the land close to the sacred complex has been purchased by private developers. If construction continues around the Sanctuary there will be no more space for parking. There is a government proposal to declare the site an area of national interest, but everything is still on paper. “If the government can not make the project a reality, give us the land and we will do it,” said the Jesuit, rector of the Sanctuary, Father Savio Barreto. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2010)
