Interpreting canon law
This is in reference to the rejoinder of Fr. Tomas Lobo ‘Lengthy services’ (The Goan Everyday’ , March 31) to my earlier letter ‘ Holy Week services’ (March 29). The fact that multiple crosses are in use in other Archdioceses like Mumbai and others for public veneration by the faithful on Good Friday, clearly indicates that unlike the rigid canon law, there is more flexibility for interpretation and use of the liturgical norms of the universal church as mentioned by Fr Tomas. Like the good shepherd, it is the duty of every parish priest to sense the mood of the faithful. It is a moot point however, whether deviation from these norms constitutes an aberration or derision of the sacred. We also have a universal revised liturgy of the mass for use in all our Eucharistic celebrations which is followed worldwide in all Catholic churches. Yet we see gross deviations of these liturgical norms every time the Indian rite mass is celebrated incorporating non-Christian symbols and rituals. Is this not an aberration and profanity of the sacred liturgy?
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Groping and heckling of female commuters in Goan buses could be a much serious issue than is thought out to be. Several school children and college girls rely on private buses to reach their educational institutions and back home. Most of these girls have to travel in overcrowded buses. It is here that these girls could be groped, heckled and touched inappropriately by the male passengers. The prime reason for this unsavoury situation is the overcrowding of buses. The very purpose of having seats reserved for ladies is defeated if the ladies have to travel as standing passengers and thereby become victims of groping and heckling and an inappropriate touch by the males. It is pertinent to note that the shuttle buses of the state KTC does not allow standing passengers. Why not extend this restriction to the local KTC buses? Why not allow only sitting passengers in private buses as well? The sign-board which reads “Only Nine Standing Passengers Allowed” seen in the buses loses its significance as the buses are usually overcrowded.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
What Goenkarponn?
In their manifesto of 2012, BJP assured an amicable solution to the problem of Medium of Instruction at primary level in schools. Recently, as reported, the former chief minister made a sweeping statement on ‘Medium of Instruction’ in Goa stating that the Goan must understand to maintain their ‘Goenkarponn’, further he said that we have to save Goa and not become Englishman. Incidentally, a few days ago as reported, the former chief minister said that the Goans have become obstructionists. Where was ‘Goenkarponn’ then? The present regime in Goa must know that Goa was a peaceful state in India for several years as Hindus, Muslims and Christians lived harmoniously in Goa. The members of the present dispensation in Goa must be the last persons to say anything on ‘Goenkarponn’. They have divided Goans based on religion and language, and destroyed ‘Goenkarponn’ on several fronts during their tenure.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
