-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Read V.M. de Malar's latest Column: | | | | Politics of Destruction | | | | http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=416 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Basilio <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Priests in Goa and in the rest of India do social work of all types, conduct > sports activities, build schools and community facilities, they run schools, > dispensaries, they educate, assist the unemployed to get jobs by putting a > good word or using their friendships, they mediate family disputes; and you > name it, they do, besides burying the dead, baptizing the infants, marrying > the marriage-ables, celebrating the eucharisy, and feats, etc. etc....
The word 'priest' if I am not mistaken, derives from the Greek word meaning 'elder'. Christ often used the word priest as 'sheperd'. There have been approximately 15,000 Goan priests in the last 300 years, and appoximately 2,000 nuns. Their work historically was understood in the context of elder and sheperd. However, in the last 40 years or so, some in Goa have become active in social justice issues, reflecting a world-wide trend. Post-Vatican II, they have crossed the road and commune with the laity, a good thing. I could be very wrong, but in 50 years or so, I can see service and social justice as their primary role, with scholarship a very minor activity. I agree with Basilio, Goan priests (and nuns) are an imperfect lot - just like the rest of us. Long live imperfection. Regards, George
