(Picture Caption): Union AYUSH Minister and North Goa MP Shripad Naik interacts with the Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes and other ASI officials at the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa.
Old Goa: There has been an outpouring of concern and support to the Basilica of Bom Jesus from several politicians, priests and people, in response to concerns raised by the Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes on April 22 while pleading for urgent attention to the world-famous monument which had been neglected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Among the politicians who either visited the Basilica or telephoned Fr Fernandes to take stock of the situation and to offer assistance included Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Ports Minister Michael Lobo, WRD Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues, St Andre MLA Francis Silveira, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and former minister Victor Gonsalves.
While the Basilica Committee headed by Vicar General Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes also visited the Basilica, other priests who contacted the Rector included Fr Pio Almeida, Fr Roland Carvalho, Fr Cipriano Da Silva, Fr Tony Fernandes and Fr. Allan Tavares. Several other people also contacted Fr Fernandes to offer their support and assistance.
The Rector explained to all of them that the most urgent need was the roof repair work and anti-termite treatment, because the wet wood and mud walls would attract termites, thereby destroying not only the affected places but would endanger the ancient and priceless altars, statues and wooden floors throughout the Basilica complex.
Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik went to the Basilica on April 25 to take stock of the situation. The ASI officers present requested the union minister for a Chemical Treatment Unit at Old Goa and he assured the Rector all possible support needed to protect the Basilica.
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha phoned the Rector on April 24 and 27 to assure help in whatever capacity possible and said his secretaries in Delhi and Goa would get in touch with Fr Fernandes for further details.
WRD Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues spoke to the Rector on April 24 and expressed his desire to do something to prevent further harm to the monument. He assured to speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Deputy Chief Minister Babu Kavlekar and Minister Michael Lobo in this matter.
On April 23, Ports Minister Michael Lobo visited the Basilica and showed willingness to get GTDC funds if the ASI could not accomplish the task. While expressing readiness to build the damaged toilets, the minister also assured to take up repairs of ancient chairs in the Basilica.
He also offered to dialogue with authorities in New Delhi to send the Mastrillian Casket to Italy for repairs and get the union culture minister to the Basilica to inspect all works in need of attention.
Both St Andre MLA Francis Silveira and former minister Victor Gonsalves paid separate visits to the Basilica on April 25 and assured the Rector of all possible help to preserve the Basilica.
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao phoned the Rector on April 26 to express his concern and support for the restoration of the Basilica, while assuring to speak to the chief minister.
On April 24, the Basilica Committee President and Vicar General Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes along with six committee members visited the Basilica. They recommended the need for a thorough assessment before and after restoration work in all future projects involving the Basilica