By M L Satyan

Bengaluru, May 7, 2020: Within the span of two weeks I have seen four reports published in Matters India (April 24, 30, May 6 and 7) about Bom Jesu Basilica in Goa. The basilica claims to have the following importance:

1. It houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier who is regarded as the patron saint of Goa by the state’s Catholics who account for around 26 percent of the state’s 1.5 million population. The silver casket dates back to 1637, when for the first time the mortal remains of the saint were taken away from public view and ensconced in the casket and kept atop a specially constructed mausoleum within the Basilica.
2. It is also recognized as an UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the western Indian state.
3. It is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

Of late there seems to be a “blame game” going on. According to the clergy, the ASI has failed its duties of maintaining the Basilica properly. The ASI and the government are pointing out to the clergy their responsibilities since they are the ‘owners’ of the Basilica.

The silver casket that houses the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier is due for repair. The clergy want to send the silver casket to Italy for restoration. But the ASI wants the repair works to be done in Gujarat. There is a clear tug of war between church authorities and the ASI over who should conduct the restoration and where it should be done.

The Basilica matter seems to be the ‘hot news’ in Goa. The issue is being discussed by the Governor, Chief Minister, ASI authorities and the church prelates.

Surprisingly and shockingly, this whole episode is happening during the time of Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of people are dying everyday all over the word. The infected people are being treated. In India there is an alarming rise in the numbers of infected people and death.

I feel sad to note the ‘misplaced priority’ of the Church in Goa. Any sensible person will get the message that the Church is more bothered about the ‘protection of the dead body of the saint and the basilica’ than the Covid-19 infected people and the poor and needy people affected by the lockdown. “Nero fiddled while Rome burnt”. Is this proverb not applicable to the church authorities?

The main concern and the worry of the Church seem to be the “loss of religious business.” How far does the dead body of the saint increase or strengthen the faith of the people? It is a million-dollar question. In reality, the basilica has become a mere tourist centre that generates a huge income. This is the bitter truth.

Let us presume that St. Francis Xavier was alive today. What would have been his priority? He would have been out in the field serving the Covid-19 infected and the poor people affected quite badly by the long lockdown. What is the lesson we have learnt from this missionary saint? If the Basilica was offered to shelter the Covid-19 infected people or the migrant workers, the soul of the saint would have been glorified.

Recently I came across an announcement in WhatsApp about a 7-day “Online Retreat”. The topics to be covered in the retreat are: How am I prepared? Personal review; Renewal from past; Radicalise my religious life; Revive; Revitalise; Resurrect to total excellence.

I am sure that many priests and religious (men and women) might have registered for this online retreat. I have visited several formation houses as a resource person. I have observed that they focus more on religious and spiritual subjects. Let them do so. However, I am sad to note that they rarely pay attention to the topics like communication, soft skills, public relations, networking, advocacy and lobbying etc.

During this national lockdown Tata Consultancy Services is conducting a free 15-day online course for school/college/university students. The theme of the course is: “Career Edge–Knockdown the lockdown”. Any student can register and do this course. The topics covered: Communication skills; Presentation skills; Soft skills; Career guidance framework; Resume writing; Group discussion skills; Interview skills; Business Etiquette; Effective email writing; Telephone etiquette; Accounting fundamentals; IT foundation skills; Overview of artificial intelligence Part-I and Part-II.

A person is permitted study one or two lessons in a day. After completing all lessons, the person has to write a test. All those who pass the test are given a Certificate. My friend’s daughter and my daughter both completed the course in one week and obtained the Certificate.

How may student priests and nuns, seminarians and novices have attended this free course offered by TCS? It is a million-dollar question. Are these subjects not important for their work? Sadly, a vast majority of priests, nuns and the students in formation do not usually think beyond religious activities, prayer, sacraments, retreat, novenas, liturgical/parochial feasts and jubilee celebrations etc.

During one of my sessions in a formation house I asked, “How many of you have read the Indian Constitution-either fully or partly?” Out of 60 participants only one raised his hand and said, “I have read partly”. How do we expect them to be “responsible citizens”? Shockingly, they did not even know the expansions of MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) and IMR (Infant Mortality Rate). How will they understand the depth of the problems faced by the socially and economically marginalized communities?

Misplaced priories will make our life meaningless. Right priories will renew our life. It is our choice.