Representative of Holy Spirit Church and citizens assemble at the old Hospicio building as the land survey officials took measurements of the property as part of the process for confirmation of the Hospicio property. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
As the Land Survey Department began the process of property confirmation for the old Hospicio hospital following an application by the Director of Health Services, citizens stressed the need to preserve the legacy of its founder, Padre Miranda.
Citizens urged the government to hand over the two chapels and convent area to the Church for upkeep and maintenance. Opposing commercial development on the property, they called for the historic institution to be used for the benefit of the needy and downtrodden, in keeping with Padre Miranda’s vision when he established Hospicio over 150 years ago.
Land survey officials visited the property on Friday evening to measure it and verify possession.
“The Directorate of Health Services has sought confirmation of the property. At present, this is a provisional property record. The inquiry officer will examine the records, conduct an inquiry and pass an order,” a field officer told the media.
She said she would submit a report to the Inspector of Settlement and Land Records, the inquiry officer, after measuring the property and verifying possession. “At present, Form B is a provisional record in which Hospicio is mentioned,” she added.
Holy Spirit Church parish priest Domingos Noronha said citizens had visited the building to remember Padre Miranda’s contribution and urge the government to protect his legacy.
“There is a chapel within the Hospicio property where we conduct services. The government should protect Padre Miranda’s legacy of helping the needy and the poor. No commercial project should come up on the property; instead, it should be utilised for the benefit of society,” he said.
Former Margao Municipal Council chairperson Savio Coutinho said citizens had shown the surveyor the two chapels and convent, which he said remained in the Church’s possession.
“It was important to inform the survey officials that certain portions of the Hospicio property are still in the Church’s possession,” he said.
Coutinho also said Caritas Goa had applied for a portion of the property to run a healthcare centre and preserve Padre Miranda’s legacy.
Social activist Jose Marie Miranda said the founder was a visionary who established Hospicio with alms and donations, stressing the need to preserve his legacy.
