Send Goanet mailing list submissions to From: Antonio Menezes - Bishops of Rome and Rome of the Orient
Sometime in the sixties, the patrician Bishop of Rome came to Bombay and was welcomed by the greatest soldier of Christ in India hailing from Chinchinim/ Navelim region. In the eighties, the Polish Bishop of Rome visited Pune to be received by another soldier of Christ hailing from Sangolda. And now it seems the Jesuit Pope will be visiting soon Sri Lanka. Whether it is Bombay, Pune or Sri Lanka, Goa is'nt very far away and yet the Bishops of Rome are reluctant to come to the Rome of the Orient. GL responds: Is the "Rome of the Orient" (whatever than means today) willing to be prepared to invite and receive the Pope? Or is it wishful thinking? Preparations for the Eucharistic Congress in Bombay in the sixties started several years in advance. I recollect being a volunteer and spent some time learning German to be a guide and translator for German visitors to the Congress. There were others learning French, etc. There were many, many volunteers in various aspects of the event of which the Pope's attendance was one; albeit important aspect of the event. Hosting a major event with world dignitaries is not something one can plan on Goanet. Initially, many individuals have to be prepared to roll up their sleeves and contribute 3Ts (time, talent and treasury) for a successful event. Goa should start by hosting meetings of the Bishops and Cardinals of India, and perhaps Asia; or perhaps a convocation its own former provinces, when it used to be "Rome of the Orient." Regards, GL
