Counselling services to seafarers 4 May 2009, 0534 hrs IST, TNN PANAJI: Seafaring has been a traditional occupation providing livlihood to thousands of Goans since the 19th century.
Goa's Catholic church has taken note of these servicemen, who have contributed significantly to the Goan economy over the years, and set up special counselling services for seamen and their families. Such counselling services are being planned across various parishes and institutions in the state and will focus on a range of issues from personal family problems to health and religious issues. Some of the places where seafarers (sailors), popularly called tarvottis' in Konkani, can get counselling facilities at present are the churches at Mapusa, Chinchinim, Mormugao and Old Goa. According to Renovacao, the church's monthly bulletin, there are some areas in Goa more prominent than others where families have their members - husbands and fathers - working as seafarers. In the well-known AVC belt of Assolna-Velim-Cuncolim and the village of Santo Estevam almost every family has a tarvotti past and present. The official spokesperson of the archdiocese of Goa and Daman Fr Francisco Caldeira told TOI that in the port town of Mormugao, the St Francis Xavier parish has been designated as a port church', which caters to the needs of visiting seafarers. "There is also a new facility for seafarers at Alto Porvorim, which is run by the Redemptorist Fathers," he said. Seafarers resting at home before their next voyage will be given priority here. Membership is open for one, three, six and 12 month periods. Retreats are also conducted with special masses on the third Thursday of every month in Sarzora and on the last Tuesday in Chinchinim. The church has also launched the Stella Maris Counselling Services, noting that the Apostleship of the Sea is an international Catholic network, now covering 118 countries. It also caters to land-based fishing communities. These counselling services are being organised "at various places in Goa, in various parishes and institutions", the church announced. The Family Service Centre, and Laity Centre of the Archdiocese will play the role of a hub for them, it added. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa/Counselling-services-to-seafarers/articleshow/4480034.cms
