OLD GOA
Priests at the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral have defended the move to close the side entry-exit points at their churches, as part of additional security measures at the two world-famous religious sites.
Stating that there is hardly any security at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the rector Fr Patricio Fernandes said it was at his instance that the numerous entrances to the church have been blocked.
“When the Goa police officials met me after the Sri Lanka church bombings, I suggested that all entrances, barring the main one, to the Basilica should be closed,” said Fr Fernandes, while adding that the police had also suggested the same.
“You cannot keep all the gates open. We have to start controlling the crowds. We have to start controlling everything. I have told them not to allow bottles, not to allow bikes inside. There is a need to install metal detectors too,” Fr Fernandes added.
“We need security. There’s no security whatsoever at the Basilica and it is high time security measures are put into place here,” Fr Fernandes said.
When contacted, Se Cathedral parish priest Fr Alfred Vaz said the police had informed him about blocking the gates at the Se Cathedral and there was no objection to the same, as it is a security measure. “However during masses, weddings and special services, the main gate leading to the Cathedral is kept open for the devotees,” Fr Vaz said.
