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| Fr. Savio Barreto, S.J. |
The authorities at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa have begun loaning shawls to visitors at the Basilica who are dressed inappropriately and wish to see the interiors of the 16th century baroque-styled monument. Church authorities or volunteers have now begun screening tourists before they enter the Basilica and those who are found dressed inappropriately are given a shawl which they will have to wear and return once they conclude their visit to the Jesuit monument housing the sacred relics of Jesuit saint and patron of the missions ~ St Francis Xavier.
The rule applies for both men and women, given that it was found that it was not only women who dress scantily but men too saunter in wearing singlet and are made to either wear a shirt if they have one or a shawl.
Speaking
to Herald, Rector of the Basilica Fr Savio Barreto, S.J. said that the move
was a result of a decision taken ‘long ago’ following complaints from
the faithful that it was unacceptable and portrayed a complete lack of
respect and decorum on the part of the tourists, both in their attire as
well as their talk as it was not in keeping with the decorum of the
place.
“This was something we had said we would do and would put up boards that all tourists should be dressed appropriately if they wish to enter the Basilica. Many people had complained that the tourists were not dressing properly and were offended by it,”
Fr Barreto said adding that the
shawls were being handed over by the volunteers at the Basilica.
More than a year ago, the church authorities had installed a signboard asking tourists to dress appropriately and maintain decorum. However, the written directions did not work, bringing about the need to give shawls to the tourists. Tourists are sometimes attired in beachwear since they come to the basilica as part of all Goa sightseeing tours that cover several locations including beaches in a single day. Many of these tours coincide with religious
services that are conducted at the churches.Link (here)
3 comments:
This is GREAT news! It should be done at ALL churches around the world where appropriate. The goal is not to shame or embarass anyone, but rather to educate both the offenders and the faithful on the meaning of such holy places. There is such a church in San Francisco, CA that gets a lot of traffic (even during mass) and it really is shameful. Kudos to the Goa diocese for taking action.
This is completely stupid. We should profit all the possibilities to evangelize. We should not exclude anybody.
Pope says "What is this? A closed door! This is not zeal! It is far from the Lord! It does not open doors! And so when we are on this street, have this attitude, we do not do good to people, the people, the People of God, but Jesus instituted the seven sacraments with this attitude and we are establishing the eighth: the sacrament of pastoral customs!" Open the doors of faith!
I am the author of the original article in the Herald (Goa). You can also find a copy here: http://bygerarddsouza.blogspot.com/2013/06/cover-up-at-basilica-scantily-clad.html
The Basilica hasn't "closed" it's doors to anyone. They've just said if you wish to enter and happen to be appropriately clad, we will give you a shawl/stole.
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