Stressing on the need for the government to conduct a study to understand the Churches and Convents left to ruin during the Portuguese rule in Goa, BJP Goa Spokesperson, Savio Rodrigues, expressed, “While there is no doubt that there were many temples which were destroyed during Portuguese rule in Goa, there were also Churches and Convents run by the Dominicans, Augustinians, Carmelites and native Goan Churches that were also confiscated by the Portuguese rulers and left to ruin. Therefore, we must commission a study and then set up a fund to restore these historic churches”.
Earlier in the day, in a media interaction, Goa Minister Subash Phaldessai said, “If the Portuguese destroyed any Church in Goa, and if there is any evidence to it, we would surely look into it”.
“It is a step in the right direction by the government to restore temples destroyed during the Portuguese rule. In much the same way, we should work towards restoring Churches of historic significance in Goa. The first step is to commission a study or invite people from the Christian community to bring forth information of the Churches destroyed during the Portuguese rule. BJP is a progressive government, and both temples and historic churches must be preserved in Goa”, stated Rodrigues.
Two weeks ago, the BJP spokesperson had appealed to the Chief Minister of Goa to commission a study and then set up a fund to renovate and restore historic churches in the state.
“Last year, Union Minister for Tourism, G Kishen Reddy stated that the Centre will set up funds for the renovation of historic churches in Goa because of their spiritual and tourism potential. And I support this progressive thinking of the BJP government”, Rodrigues informed.
