Hi Dan, I am responding to a point because you wrote it twice, (see below) and as you edit historical articles; on which likely you "pass mustard." SFX's letters to the king in Lisbon and superiors in Rome, clearly reflect SFX frustrations with the Portuguese colonial administration for: 1. Colonial Govt. corruption. 2. Lack of enforcing any legal and moral codes on the colonialists. 3. Exploitation of natives. The response and support SFX received in reply, from those to whom he repeatedly wrote, was one of empty-lip service. Please feel free to contradict me with quotes and references. This may partly explain Xavier's short stay in Goa. Now you (and others) suggest SFX's letters had a greater impact after SFX died, than when he was alive. At best, I would say, SFX's letters were used by the powers-that-be to further ones agenda, just like his letters are used today. At worse, claiming that SFX letters were "signposts for decision-makers in Rome, Lisbon and Goa for at least half a century after his death" is pure hogwash and wild speculation .... unless you have govt. documents (which references SFX letters) which can support this claim. Yet what is outrageous is to link SFX (concerns about colonial abuses) as leading to the abuses of the inquisition; and further using SFX as the reason for the need of an Inquisition museum in Goa. As a history buff I would look at events in 1555-1560, specifically at the imminent dangers in 1560, to the causes(s) for introducing the Inquisition; rather than relying of documents/ letters received 17 years earlier, which could well have been gathering dust. As Goans we know that Teo is doing the best he can. Hence we give him the benefit of the doubt. With what you have written twice, Teo's writings are more aimed to please Western academic speculative interest. Living in the West, I see a lot of speculation (a.k.a. 'fresh thinking') by those trying to create a niche for their work; which is so important for academic funding. The inquisition museum in Goa is one such "innovative idea." Saying goes, "We may have been born at night; but we were not been born LAST NIGHT." I hope we can see responses to questions to you in several posts. Those responses should be easy for you with "extensive reading occasioned by an editing job I was asked to do involving historical writing." Regards, GL ----------- Dan Driscoll
Might I venture an opinion, after some fairly extensive reading occasioned by an editing job I was asked to do involving historical writing: The link between Xavier's encouragement of inquisitorial policy in India and the time of his departure and eventual demise may be quite unaffected by the time dimension. Xavier was basically an Administrator (Provincial Superior) in Goa, and his recommendations (right down to his marginal notes) would have been the signposts for decision-makers in Rome, Lisbon and Goa for at least half a century after his death. Dr. Theotonio De Souza, .... But we must not expect infallibility or total objectivity from him either. He has a difficult job to do, and he's doing it as best he can. ----------- DAN DRISCOLL I would say that the relationship between implementation of the inquisitiorial policy in the Region and the dating of Xavier's departure and eventual death need not at all negate his influence in the matter. I suspect that very little of any decision-making that came out of Rome and Lisboa for up to half a century after Xavier's passing would have been without heavy reliance on his judgement. Xavier and Ignatius were like two blood brothers.
