OLD GOA
Stating that the Basilica of Bom Jesus is unlikely to be open for tourists anytime soon, Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes informed that he is awaiting a proper system to be put in place before opening the monument for the public.
Fr Fernandes also informed that this year, the Novena and Feast Masses in honour of St Francis Xavier are unlikely to be held outside in the pandal, due to the Covid pandemic.
“We are thinking of telecasting the Novena and Feast Masses live for the benefit of the devotees,” he added.
Explaining the reason why the Basilica is unlikely to be open for tourists anytime soon, Fr Fernandes said: “Unlike other churches, thousands of people from all over visit the Basilica and it will be difficult to handle the situation in case of huge rush of people.”
“So right now, we are working with the ASI in putting a system in place where there will be barricades starting from the entry to the exit point as people cannot be just allowed to roam around,” Fr Fernandes said.
“Other SOPs like registering names, taking temperatures and sanitising hands have also to be put in place. We are in talks with the ASI and once a plan is finalised the future course of action will be initiated,” Fr Fernandes added.
“The Novena and Feast masses of St Francis Xavier are unlikely to be held outside in the pandal, due to the Covid pandemic. We are thinking of telecasting the novenas and feast masses live for the benefit of the devotees,” he added.
The Rector also informed that the Church is also not going to be open for regular masses as it would be difficult to know how many people will attend.
“If there is a sudden rush of people for the masses, then a situation will arise wherein some people will have to be denied entry, a situation we do not want to face as it will create ill-feelings,” Fr Fernandes said.
The Rector added that the ASI has taken up works of repairs at the Basilica which they could not undertake during rains.
“This is the right time for these repairs as the flow of tourists is less,” he stated.
