the goan I network
MARGAO
The process towards the relocation of St Francis Xavier Chapel from the main old market-KTC bus stand road was set in motion on Sunday with the laying of the foundation stone for a new Chapel at Madel, with local MLA and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai saying the project is not only a classic example of development by consent, but lauding the minority community for volunteering to shift the Chapel in larger public interest.
While Holy Spirit Parish Priest, Fr Avinash Rebello blessed the project, the foundation stone plaque was unveiled by the TCP Minister in the presence of MMC Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai, SGPDA Chairperson Dr Renuka Da Silva, ward councilor Clara Fernandes, members of the Chapel Committee and citizens.
The TCP Minister said that many people point fingers at the minority community, especially in Salcete, for blocking development projects under one pretext or other.
“The Chapel relocation is a classic example how the minority community has volunteered to shift the Chapel in larger public interest to get rid of traffic bottlenecks,” he said.
“This is not just relocation and re-construction, but a unique project in Goa’s history when we find people objecting to shifting of religious places of worship. This is real Goemkarponn,” he said.
While the new Chapel will come up on land admeasuring 45sqmts, the Chapel committee disclosed plans to build a hall on the 700 sqmts of land provided by the government. The TCP Minister has announced his personal contribution of Rs 10 lakh for the hall.
In his address, Fr Avinash Rebello said the land has been handed over to the Fabrica by the government, adding that the Chapel committee and the Fabrica should sit and draw up plans for hall. Fr Avinash also hailed the contribution of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on the development front, even as he thanked the local MLA for getting the land for the Chapel project.
Under this project, the GSIDC will take up relocation of two Chapels at Madel and Gogol at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs. Both the Chapels are expected to be completed in all respects within six months.
Architect Prabhudesai explained that the St Francis Xavier Chapel has been designed after seeking inputs of the architecture of the Holy Spirit Church and other Churches.
